Device for a utility vehicle structure, and utility vehicle structure constructed with the same

Abstract

A pixel-technological display field for displaying changing motifs is attached to the outside of at least one component of a utility vehicle structure or is structurally integrated in to the at least one component. The display field has a multiplicity of separately controllable display pixels. In an embodiment the display field is self-luminous and produces a light emission that is less than +0.5 cd/m.sup.2 in comparison to an averaged, relative ambient light. In an embodiment the display field protrudes from an outer surface of the at least one component by less than 15 mm.

Claims

1. A device for a utility vehicle structure, comprising: at least one component of the utility vehicle structure; at least one light sensor for ascertainment of averaged ambient light values; and a pixel-technological display field for displaying changing motifs, wherein the display field has a multiplicity of separately controllable display pixels, wherein the display field is attached to an outside of the at least one component of the utility vehicle structure or is structurally integrated into the at least one component of the utility vehicle, wherein the display field is a self-luminous display field, wherein luminosity of the pixels of the display field is adjusted such that the display field produces light emission that is less than +0.5 cd/m.sup.2 relative the averaged ambient light values.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display field is a color display field for displaying colored motifs.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the color display field comprises CMY or CMYK electrowetting technology.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display field has background lighting for illuminating non-self-luminous display pixels and/or self-luminous display pixels of the separately controllable display pixels.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a pixel distance between the separately controllable display pixels of the display field is at least 1 mm.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one component to which the display field is attached or to which the device is structurally integrated is selected from the group consisting of a door leaf, a side wall, a rear wall, a roof wall, a tail lift, and a cover of the utility vehicle structure.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the display field is integrated into the cover or is attached to the cover.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein integration or attachment is performed by an operation selected from the group consisting of adhesive bonding, welding, and sewing.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display field is flexibly preformable.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the display field is foldable.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display field has an area of at least 1 m.sup.2.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display field is embodied in a form of a non-lighting and non-light-signalling function.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display field is embodied in the form of a one-part or multi-part display field.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein a pixel distance between the separately controllable display pixels of the display field is at least 4 mm.

15. The device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one light sensor is facing in a same direction as and parallel to a main light emission axis of the display field.

16. A device for a utility vehicle structure, comprising: at least one component of the utility vehicle structure; and a pixel-technological display field for displaying changing motifs, wherein the display field has a multiplicity of separately controllable display pixels, wherein the display field is attached to an outside of the at least one component of the utility vehicle structure or is structurally integrated into the at least one component of the utility vehicle, wherein the display field protrudes from an outer surface of the at least one component, wherein the display field protrudes from the outer surface of the at least one component by less than 15 mm.

17. The device according to claim 16 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing ambient light wherein the at least one sensor is facing in a same direction as and parallel to a main light emission axis of the display field.

18. A device for a utility vehicle structure, comprising: at least one component of the utility vehicle structure; at least one light sensor for ascertainment of averaged ambient light values; and a pixel-technological display field for displaying changing motifs, wherein the display field has a multiplicity of separately controllable display pixels, wherein the display field is attached to an outside of the at least one component of the utility vehicle structure or is structurally integrated into the at least one component of the utility vehicle, wherein the display field is a self-luminous display field, wherein luminosity of the pixels of the display field is regulated relative the averaged ambient light values.

19. The device according to claim 18 wherein the display field is configured to approximate an impression of conventional analog lettering with regard to the luminosity.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective of over various utility vehicle structures in a perspective view from the rear side.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a display field, in which a multiplicity of LEDs or SMDs are arranged as display pixels on a module.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the installation of a display unit.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration, based on door leaves, fixing screws, and connecting screws 26 for attaching a display field.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration showing the attachment of a data unit to a component of a utility vehicle structure.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side sectional illustration showing a vibration-damped attachment of a pixel-technological display field.

(7) FIG. 7a shows an exemplary embodiment where both protective films are attached to different sides of the cover.

(8) FIG. 7b shows an exemplary embodiment in which both protective films are attached to the same side of the cover.

(9) FIG. 7c shows an exemplary embodiment in which a recess in the cover is not made continuous, but rather in the manner of a blind hole.

(10) FIG. 7d shows an exemplary embodiment of a display field on the outer surface of a cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The invention makes it possible to provide a utility vehicle structure whose rear wall door can be opened as completely as possible even in tight spaces and which causes lower costs in terms of production, especially for the lettering and changing the lettering of the rear wall door, but also in the case of the side wallsregardless of whether it is a cover or box or other types of structuresat least cumulatively over the total usage time of the truck and/or trailer or its structures.

(12) To solve these problems inherent in the known rear wall portals and side wall structures, a communication-technological door device in which a display integrated into the structure replaces, for example, the lettering is proposed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, any costs for lettering are consequently reasonably and expediently incurred only once, since the display does not require any further new lettering or re-lettering including associated and resulting post-treatments. The use of a display, e.g. in the rear doors, eliminates the need for costly lettering or printing and also for any necessary repair and/or rework costs, which would occur, for example, if the original surface was damaged when the lettering was changed, for example due to irregular surface damage such as tearing out surface components or sections, for example in the case of sealing coatings or varnishes, or scratching the surfaces through the use of tools and/or hand protection measures in order to remove the previous lettering. In the context of this application, display is used to denote in representative fashion any communication-technological display surface and/or technology that is not analog but digital in terms of lettering; for example, LED, electrowetting, and other, in particular future, visualization technologies that structurally tend to have a pixel-technological structure or to be a display.

(13) An integrated display, for example, can also replace the lettering on the sides of truck and/or trailer structures, for example covers or box structures. Here, too, the same investment, cost, and surface advantages as described above for the rear doors arise.

(14) The e.g. integrated utility vehicle structure display in the roof, side or rear walls is intended to be a communication-technological substitute for the standard customary and typical roof, side wall, and/or rear lettering. The recipient's impression should be as similar as possible to that of conventional lettering systems by means of analog lettering; especially with regard to the luminous intensity. The digital utility vehicle structure lettering by means of a display is intended to replace the customary lettering on the rear, roof, and/or side walls as far as possible, and should in no way generate a signal effect in the sense of vehicle illumination and/or identification.

(15) The e.g. integrated utility vehicle structure display on the rear, roof, or side walls should therefore ensure contrasts depending on the ambient light, which, in terms of the recipient's superficial impression, is, for example, very similar to or approximates the impression of conventional analog lettering.

(16) The e.g. integrated utility vehicle structure display in the rear, roof, or side walls in the form of a structurally matrix-like grid is intended to offer additional protection against tearing of vehicle structure covers, which provides additional support for the devices which comply with the guidelines against deliberate external influences by third parties that damage or destroy the cover; and may therefore be considered eligible expenditures.

(17) The e.g. integrated utility vehicle structure display in the rear, roof, or side walls of utility vehicle structures is intended to offer a significant added value overall for the users of vehicle structures, and in particular for freight forwarders. Freight forwarders in particular are burdened by increasing cost pressure from fuels, but also by increasing regulatory pressure from public institutions, and as a result, drivers are affected by increasingly poor labor and freight forwarding market conditions. The option of receiving income in particular from digitalized marketing for advertising third parties, which is quite relevant nowadays, can represent and bring with it for workers in the freight forwarding industry a considerable and significant relief or compensation in terms of the cost pressures caused by the freight forwarding market, which cannot be provided to this extent by anyone else, especially not by the public sector or, for example, charities, cooperatives, or trade unions.

(18) In the context of this patent list, display is used to denote in a representative fashion any communication-technological display surface and/or display technology that is not designed in an analog manner in terms of lettering, but, for example, a digital LED, e-wetting, and/or other, including future visualization technology that is structural or tends to have a pixel-technical structure or be a display. Such a pixel-technological display-based network or display is used to generate graphic and/or typographic information and can have a modular system architecturesuch displays can therefore be one-part and/or multi-part.

(19) Further advantageous embodiments 1 to 44 of the invention will be given below in the form of bullet points, wherein each of the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

(20) 1. Utility vehicle structure with display technology that facilitates motif change, for side, roof, and/or rear walls (38, 39, 40) with or without a loading portal (1) and at least two horizontal or vertical door leaves (2, 3) that are pivotable relative to one another for closing a loading portal (1), wherein a pixel-technological display field is mounted, which is integrated into at least one portal door leaf or a rear wall segment or at least one side wall segment or at least one roof segment, and generates, allows, and/or ensures motif changes similar to lettering work and/or typographical displays.

(21) 2. Utility vehicle structure according to embodiment 1, characterized in that at least one door leaf (2, 3) has apparatuses for at least one, better two, locking rods (24).

(22) 3. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 and 2, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used extends over at least two door leaves.

(23) 4. Cover for a utility vehicle structure (43) according to at least one of the embodiments 1 and 2, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is integrated in the cover by way of composite technology. Such a utility vehicle structure cover could for example be referred to as an LED cover or a composite reprocover.

(24) 5. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (17) that protects the pixel-technological display field against physical environmental influences such as falling rocks, water, and/or accelerated liquids.

(25) 6. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the display or display network used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (11, 17, 18, 29, 34) that protects the pixel-technological display field against environmental influences, such as water or rain.

(26) 7. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (15, 29) that protects the pixel-technological display field against overheating.

(27) 8. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 7, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus that protects the pixel-technological display field against environmental influences such as strong or extreme cold.

(28) 9. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (28, 16) that protects the pixel-technological display field against physical environmental or vicinity influences such as direct shocks or vibrations.

(29) 10. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 9, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (15, 16, 17) that protects the pixel-technological display field against physical environmental influences such as excessive humidity.

(30) 11. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 10, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus that makes the pixel-technological display field modularly repairable or restorable in the event of pixel errors.

(31) 12. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 11, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is provided with at least one suitable apparatus (26, 27) that constructively connects the pixel-technological display field to the door in a manner such that the pixel-technological display field cannot separately fall out or off.

(32) 13. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used has what is known as the 16:9 format.

(33) 14. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is what is known as a large-format display.

(34) 15. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 14, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used utilizes the rear wall surface to fill the format as fully as possible without at least partially or completely covering, displacing or rendering unrecognizable surfaces or signs (41) that should be kept free for legal identification purposes.

(35) 16. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 15, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used displays signs and notices required for legal identification purposes in accordance with guidelines or in accordance with the law in a manner such that previously conventional, analog identification or presentation is at least adequately substituted.

(36) 17. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 16, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is designed in one or more parts.

(37) 18. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 17, characterized in that the one-part or multi-part pixel-technological display field used is attached to at least one rear door and/or one door leaf (2, 3, 40).

(38) 19. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 17, characterized in that the one-part or multi-part pixel-technological display field used is attached to at least one side wall segment (38).

(39) 20. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 17, characterized in that the one-part or multi-part pixel-technological display field used is attached to at least one cover.

(40) 21. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 20, characterized in that the one-part or multi-part pixel-technological display field used is attached to the roof surface or roof cover.

(41) 22. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 21, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field used is integrated in the manner of a composite as what is known as a sandwich product in the side, roof, and/or rear surface.

(42) 23. Sandwich product in the side, roof, and/or rear surface for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 22, characterized in that the display field components structurally and constructively replace the mesh-type, so-called theft or vandalism protection (23, 38) for covers and/or, proceeding therefrom, ensure said protection in a supportive and/or directly constructively form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

(43) 24. Pixel-technological display field for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 23, characterized in that said display field is designed to be as flat as possible, as what is known as a sandwich product in composite construction, in the side, roof, and/or rear surface, that is to say is designed for example with a clear structural height of approx. 5-10 millimeters, so that, in the cover embodiment, the latter may optionally continue to be functionally used as a cover.

(44) 25. Pixel-technological display field for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 24, characterized in that it has a transparent display pixel protection (34) that is as flat and/or robust as possible and preferably has a clear structural height of approx. 1-5 millimeters; for example made of glass, resin, or plastic.

(45) 26. Pixel-technological display field for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 25, characterized in that it has suitable apparatuses against impacts of all kinds (36), for example when opening or closing. For example, by means of nubs, strips or welts made of rubber, silicone or the like in terms of function.

(46) 27. Pixel-technological display field for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 26, characterized in that it has at least one suitable apparatus (37) for preventing the ingress of lubricant for locking rods (24) or other substances hazardous to the trouble-free operation of the display or the display network. For example tubular encapsulation or tubes of all kinds or the like in terms of function.

(47) 28. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 26, characterized in that it has at least one suitable apparatus (37) for preventing the ingress of lubricant for locking rods (24) or other substances hazardous to the trouble-free operation of the pixel-technological display field. For example tubular encapsulation or tubes of all kinds or the like in terms of function.

(48) 29. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 28, characterized in that it has at least one suitable apparatus (17, 18, 27, 29) for preventing unauthorized intervention, use, installation/removal, assembly/removal of all kinds.

(49) 30. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 29, characterized in that at least one door leaf (2) is articulated on a corner stanchion (4) of the loading portal (1), at least one further door leaf (3) is articulated (21, 22).

(50) 31. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 30, characterized in that door leaves (2, 3) are detachable for example centrally with respect to a loading portal (1).

(51) 32. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 30, characterized in that, in the case of an at least two-element display field architecture (5, 42), the display field complete modules are articulated to one another and/or are connected so as to be foldable with respect to one another by means of at least one hinge (35).

(52) 33. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 31, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field can be or is attached to the material of at least one side wall (38), for example to a cover.

(53) 34. Apparatus for a utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 33, characterized in that it ensures the visual or optical capturing of vehicle license plates in the immediate vicinity.

(54) 35. Utility vehicle structure according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 31, characterized in that the pixel-technological display field is mounted on suitable utility vehicle structure walls in a traffic-safe manner.

(55) 36. Double frame construction according to embodiment 9, characterized in that it has an inner frame (45) and an outer frame (18), wherein the one-part or multi-part display is fixed to the inner frame, between the inner frame and outer frame, oscillating rubber bufferspreferably so-called type A rubber-bonded metals (28) with threaded bolts on both sidesare mounted, and in that the outer frame is fixedly mounted together with the utility vehicle structure.

(56) 37. Seal between the display (5) and display pixel protection (34) according to embodiments 6 and 25, characterized in that it remains permanently flexible and sealing both thermally and physically and also volumetrically and also when in contact with solvent, soap, caustic and fuel mixtures of all types, so that both the display pixels and the entire device including computers and other units and also data-containing and current-carrying parts are not damaged, in particular in the case of vibrations and shocks in traffic and during normal washing processes, and/or moisture or liquids cannot penetrate the interior of the device; that is to say preferably consist of foam rubber, FKM or EPDM.

(57) 38. Light sensor system for ambient light measurement or ascertainment of the ambient light conditions for vehicle structures according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 37, characterized in that at least one light sensor (46) is mounted per vehicle side provided with a display, which light sensor passively or actively supplies the ascertained, average ambient light values to the computer described above or to the software or app described above for adjusting and regulating the luminosity.

(58) 39. Software or app for at least one of the embodiments 1 to 38, characterized in that it ensures the computational combination of the environmental light data for the optimum display pixel control with regard to the luminosity.

(59) 40. Software or app for at least one of the embodiments 1 to 39, characterized in that it ensures the computational combination of the environmental light data for the optimum display pixel control with regard to color contrasts and/or colors.

(60) 41. Software or app for at least one of the embodiments 39 and 40, characterized in that it ensures a calculation of the optimum display pixel control with regard to the fact that neither signal colors nor any light-technical signal effects are generated; this includes in particular lighting, light color and/or color target value tables with or without tolerances, which ensure a corresponding pixel controller calibration.

(61) 42. Pixel controller for at least one of the embodiments 1 and 41, characterized in that it ensures the optimum display pixel control in terms of display luminosity with maximum ambient luminosity plus less than 0.5 cd, and also in that neither signal colors nor any light-technical signal effects are generated; this includes, in particular, the corresponding calibration in terms of lighting, light color and/or color.

(62) 43. Composite reprocover according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 42, characterized in that a translucent display pixel color technologysuch as electrowetting with ionizable colored oil dropletsis processed with the cover in a composite manner such that the visual impression that the cover and display technology are one in terms of composition or object technology is created and/or ensured.

(63) 44. Composite reprocover (43) according to at least one of the embodiments 1 to 43, characterized in that the display is partially, modularly or entirely processed with the cover in a composite manner in a translucent cell or encapsulation in a manner such that the visual impression that the cover and display technology are at least almost one in terms of composition and object technology is created and/or ensured.

(64) FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, various types of utility vehicles with respective utility vehicle structures in a perspective view from the rear side.

(65) FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, a side sectional view of a display field, in which a multiplicity of LEDs or SMDs 33 are arranged as display pixels on a module 31. On the side on which motifs can be presented by the display field, a display pixel protection 34 is fastened over the display field. The display field is fixed by a display frame 18, which is connected to a display rear wall 29. In addition, display protection elements 36 may be present. The display field can be supplied with data and power via an interface 32, for example via a cable 9 from a data unit 7, which has connections for a data line and a power cable 10. A cooling fan 15 can be installed in the vicinity of the display field for cooling.

(66) FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of the installation of a display unit explained on the basis of FIG. 2 on door or wall panels 19 of a utility vehicle structure.

(67) FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration, based on door leaves 2, 3, fixing screws 27 and connecting screws 26 for attaching a display field.

(68) FIG. 5 additionally shows, in a perspective illustration the attachment of a data unit 7, for example with a computer, and of a power converter 12 to a component of a utility vehicle structure.

(69) FIG. 6 shows, in a side sectional illustration, an advantageous, vibration-damped attachment of a pixel-technological display field, for example on a side wall 38 or a rear wall 40 of a utility vehicle structure. The display field 5 is encapsulated with respect to the inside of the vehicle structure via a display rear wall 29. On the front side, on which motifs can be presented by the display field, the latter is covered by a display pixel protection 34. The latter is structurally fixed with the screen 44 of the outer frame 18 to the panels 19 of the rear wall 40 or side walls 38 in terms of damping technology. The vibration damping and the tightness of the structure are realized by rubber seals 16 and rubber-bonded metals or shock absorbers 28.

(70) FIG. 7 shows different embodiments of the attachment of a pixel-technological display field 5 to a cover 38, 39, 40. For example, the cover can have a continuous recess in which the display field 5 is arranged. The display field 5 is covered by a respective protective film 17 on both sides of the cover. The protective films 17 are connected to the cover 38, 39, 40 via material connections 47 (FIG. 7a). In addition, the display field can be encapsulated in an extra display cell 48.

(71) While in the embodiment of FIG. 7a both protective films 17 are attached to different sides of the cover, FIG. 7b shows an embodiment in which both protective films 17 are attached to the same side of the cover, for example to the outside, by means of the material connections 47 on the cover 38, 39, 40.

(72) FIG. 7c shows an embodiment in which the recess in the cover is not made continuous, but rather in the manner of a blind hole. A certain layer thickness of the cover thus remains throughout, which means that the cover continues to be sealed. In this case, the display field 5 can either be covered with a protective film 17 on only one side, or, as shown in FIG. 7c, similar to the variant according to FIG. 7b, with a front and a rear protective film 17. The protective films 17 are then in turn connected to the cover 38, 39, 40 via the material connections 47.

(73) FIG. 7d shows the arrangement of a display field 5 on the outer surface of a cover 38, 39, 40. In this case, the cover does not have to be prepared with a recess. Instead, the display field 5 can simply be placed on the surface of the cover. Here, too, it is advantageous to cover the display field 5 in each case on the front side and the rear side with a protective film 17. The protective films 17 are in turn connected to the cover 38, 39, 40 via material connections 47.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(74) 1 Loading portal 2 Door leaves 3 Door leaves 4 Corner stanchions 5 Display 6 Display network 7 Data-unit/box display 8 Power distributor 9 Data cable/line 10 Power cable/line 11 Data-unit/-box truck 12 Power converter 13 Truck power distributor 14 Battery 15 Cooling fan/ventilation 16 Rubber seal (e.g. foam rubber, FKM, EPDM) 17 Protective film (water, liquids, falling rocks, dust, dirt, ice) 18 Display frame (outer frame, screen) 19 Door panel/panels or wall panel/panels 20 Panel overhang/frame 21 Hinge 22 Double-jointed hinge 23 Theft/vandalism protection 24 Locking rod 25 Recess for locking rod 26 Connecting screw/s 27 Fixing screw/s 28 Rubber-bonded metal/shock absorbers 29 Display rear wall (possibly with air slots or holes) 30 U-profile 31 LED module/E-wetting module 32 LED module interface data+power 33 LED/SMD 34 Display pixel protection (glass, resin, plastic; film) 35 Display hinge 36 Display protection (nub, strip, welt) 37 Locking rod encapsulation (tube) 38 Side/side cover/side wall/side section 39 Roof/roof cover/roof wall/roof section 40 Rear/rear cover/rear wall/rear section 41 Legal identification signs 42 Multi-element display with complete display modules 43 Display cover (LED cover/reprocover/Composite reprocover) 44 Screen of the outer frame 45 Inner frame (for receiving display) 46 Light sensor 47 Material connection (e.g. welding, adhesive bonding, seam, riveting) 48 Display cell (for reprocover/composite reprocover/composite cover/LED cover)