Symbol display element for a vehicle interior
AssigneeTRW Automotive Electronics & Componets GmbH
InventorsUlrich BACKES, Harald KOEHNLEIN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A symbol display element for a vehicle interior is proposed, which comprises a front cover formed by a diffusing lens. A shadow mask is arranged in the optical path between the diffusing lens and a plurality of point light sources which can be activated separately, and includes for each point light source an associated symbol which is projected in an enlarged manner onto the rear side of the diffusing lens upon activation of the corresponding point light source. With this easily realizable configuration of the display element, the different symbols share a common display surface on the diffusing lens which acts as a rear projection screen.
Claims9
A symbol display element for a vehicle interior, having a front cover formed by a diffusing lens, a plurality of point light sources which can be activated separately in a selective manner, and a shadow mask arranged in the optical path between the diffusing lens and the point light sources and including for each point light source an associated symbol which is projected in an enlarged manner onto the rear side of the diffusing lens upon activation of the corresponding point light source.
The symbol display element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positions of the point lights sources and of the associated symbols on the shadow mask are chosen such that all symbols are substantially projected onto the same projection surface of the diffusing lens.
The symbol display element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the point light sources are formed by light emitting diodes.
The symbol display element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shadow mask is formed by an optically transparent plate onto which the symbols are applied, in particular by printing, heat-sealing embossing or spraying.
The symbol display element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the point light sources are arranged in the corners of a square.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.