DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a display. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to a touch enabled display.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, many electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, or laptops, have adopted touch display devices as input and output devices of the above-mentioned electronic devices. Generally, the touch display device is formed by combining two boards, one of which is a touch-sensitive panel, and the other is a display panel. The touch panel is attached to the display panel through an adhesive layer, and the image of the display panel is presented to the user through the touch panel through the emitted light.
[0003] Particularly, in recent years the demand of the display device with integrated embedded touch-screen is constantly increased, this display device comprises multiple built-in elements, for the slim portable terminal device providing such as a smart phone, a tablet, a PC, and in an instrument panel of automobiles. In four-wheeled vehicle, the touch enabled displays are already available. However, in other automobiles, such as two-wheeled or three wheeled vehicle, having such touch enabled display is still a challenge for the manufacturers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a touch enabled display along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0005] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of a touch enabled display.
[0006] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded perspective view of the touch enabled display and its associated parts.
[0007] Figure 3(a) exemplarily illustrates a rear side top perspective view of the display unit.
[0008] Figure 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a rear side cable connection of the display.
[0009] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a rear side perspective view of the first cover.
[00010] Figure 5(a) exemplarily illustrates a side view cut section of the touch enabled display.
[00011] Figure 5(b) exemplarily illustrates a side view cut section of the touch enabled display with a magnified portion.
[00012] Figure 6(a) exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the second cover as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Figure 6(b) exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the second cover as per another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Generally, an instrument cluster, except in four wheelers, do not have touch enabled screen. Specifically, a touch enabled screen with a bigger size. The main concern with touch screen with bigger display screen is thermal management. The bigger the touch enabled display, higher will be the heat generated and thus dissipating that heat is a challenging task, especially in a two-wheeled vehicle, where weight, space, and cost are the crucial parameters which is considered while manufacturing the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0002] In bigger size touch enabled display, excessive heat is generated due to multiple processors and PCB’s (Printed Circuit Board), which can dissipate heat up to 10 W and are the main source of heat generation, resulting in rise in temperature. This rise in temperature is quite high and makes it impossible for a rider’s finger to interact with the touch enabled display. Rise in temperature can also impede the working of the display which is not at all desirable. To overcome the above-mentioned problems, the touch enabled display can be provided with either an active cooling or a passive cooling. But the problem with this type of cooling is that it adds considerable weight and cost to the display and ultimately costs extra money to a consumer. However, use of aluminium, which is a light weight material is known for heat sinks. But using aluminium or magnesium or copper in the present mentioned display is not feasible as the display comprises of few internal antennas such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, NFC and 4G antennas, excessive usage of above-mentioned materials will end up in bad antenna signal reception for the antennas. Such problems do not arise in four-wheeler infotainment system. As the system in four-wheeler is placed in a closed environment and is not exposed to the outside environment directly. Also, since the four-wheeled vehicle is mostly provided with an air conditioner, exposed surface of the display also dissipates some heat in the external cooler environment, therefore the general available heat sinks are sufficient for heat dissipation and no additional external cooling mechanisms are required.
[0003] However, even if passive cooling is used such as a heat sink, one or more fastener and one or more gaskets adds to the weight of the display, which is not desirable at all. Also, multiple parts are required to place the heat sink in the required position so that it stays intact while in operation. Apart from this, as explained before, the display includes two boards, one of which is a touch-sensitive panel, and the other is a display panel. If there is a gap between the touch sensitive panel and the display panel, a greenhouse gas type effect is generated and more heat is produced. Thus, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other problems of known art.
[0004] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide an improved cooling mechanism for the touch enabled instrument cluster of considerably bigger size as compared to conventional displays used in the automobiles. The present subject matter further aims to provide a compact touch enabled display which is light-weight, low-cost, has reduced number of parts, and is aesthetically appealing. The present subject matter is described using an exemplary touch enabled instrument cluster used in the vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned touch enabled display, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention.
[0005] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a touch enabled display comprising a display unit, a first cover, and a second cover. The first cover is disposed on the display unit and the second cover is disposed on the first cover. The first cover is configured to accommodate one or more electronic components. The one or more heat sink is integrated with the second cover for passive cooling of the touch enabled display.
[0006] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the display unit is a 7-to-14-inch display.
[0007] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the first cover and the second cover are sealed by means of sealant, and the second cover is configured to have a groove filled with sealant at a periphery of the second cover and the first cover includes a projection at a periphery, the projection is configured to be accommodated in the groove.
[0008] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the first cover is configured with one or more slots to accommodate one or more electronic components of the touch enabled display. The heat sink is in direct contact with the display unit through one or more openings in the first cover.
[0009] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the second cover is configured to be immoulded with the heat sink, the second cover is configured with one or more cut outs to accommodate one or more fins of the heat sink.
[00010] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the heat sink extends towards a connector to cover and sink heat from a processor.
[00011] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more fins is made of a metal and the second cover is a plastic part.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the first and second cover is configured to have one or more structural ribs.
[00013] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a single PCB is used for the display and for processing information.
[00014] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a method for manufacturing a touch enabled display, said method comprising the steps of optically bonding by means of Adhesive, a display on to a touch panel ; curing, the display and the touch panel to form a display unit sub-assembly; applying adhesive on a periphery having a glass projection on the edges of the display unit sub-assembly; press mounting, the periphery of the display unit sub-assembly on to a first cover and mounting by means of a fastener until the curing take place to form a top assembly; flipping back and assembling, one or more electronic components on to the first cover by one or more fastening means; connecting, the display with one or more electronic components by means of one or more cables; applying sealing means in a groove in the first cover; and placing a projection of a second cover inside the groove of the first cover, pressing and applying force on the second cover disposed on the first cover to cure the sealing means to form the touch enabled display. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a touch enabled display along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00015] Fig.1 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of a touch enabled display 100. In the present embodiment, the display 100 is placed in an instrument panel (not shown) of a two-wheeled vehicle (not shown). The display 100 shows a numerous of information and allows the user to select from the options to use the features and to ride the vehicle accordingly. Fig.2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded perspective view of the touch enabled display 100 and its associated parts. Fig.1 and Fig.2 shall be discussed together. The touch enabled display 100 comprising of a display unit 102, a first cover 104, and a second cover 106. The first cover 104 is disposed on the display unit 102. The second cover 106 is disposed on the first cover 104. The first cover 104 is configured to accommodate one or more electronic components (108, 128), one or more processor 142, and one or more antennas 128. In the present embodiment, the touch enabled display 100 has one processor 142 which carry out all the process of the display 100 and a single PCB 108 for both display and for the processor 142. The one or more heat sink 110 is integrated with the second cover 106 for passive cooling of the display 100. The display unit 102 includes a display 112 and a touch panel 114. In the best embodiment, the touch panel is a soda lime glass. The display 112 gives the visual display of information to the customer whereas the touch panel 114 gives improved touch performance and the non-scratch characteristics adding to its advantage. The present invention aim is to reduce the amount of heat generated in larger displays 100. The size of the display unit 102 lies in the range of 7- 14 inch. However, in the present embodiment the size of the display unit 102 is 10.25 inch, which is considerably large as compared to the display units used in the already existing two-wheeled vehicle (not shown). If there is a gap present between the display 112 and the touch panel 114, a greenhouse gas type effect gets created, resulting in production of more heat. Such a large screen with gap can generate heat up to 10 W, resulting in rise in the temperature in the range of 75- 90 degree celsius. So, in order to avoid the above-mentioned situation, the display 112 and the touch panel 114 is optically bonded by means of adhesive/ sealant. In the best embodiment, LOCA (Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive) (not shown) is used to optically bond the display 112 and the touch panel 114. The bonded display 112 with the touch panel 114 is left for cure so as to form the display unit 102 as a display sub-assembly. The application of LOCA reduces the internal reflections caused due to the gap between the display 112 and the touch panel 114.
[00016] The first cover 104 is disposed on the display unit 102. The first cover 104 is configured to accommodate one or more electronic components of the touch enabled display 100 for the functioning of the display 100. Further, the second cover 106 is disposed on the first cover 104 to complete the assembly of the touch enabled display 100. The second cover 106 is configured to be immoulded with the heat sink 110. The heat sink 110 is placed such that, it is thermally and physically in touch with the one or more electronic components (108, 128, 142) and the display unit 102 to sink the heat. In the present embodiment, the heat sink 110 and one or more fins 116 of the heat sink 110 are made up of a metal, and the rest of the parts of the second cover 106 is made up of plastic. In the best embodiment, the metal being an aluminum. The second cover 106 is configured with one or more cut outs (not shown) to accommodate the one or more fins 116 of the one or more heat sink 110. This reduces the weight of the second cover 106 and thus the overall weight of the touch enabled display 100. For the heat sink material, magnesium and copper can be used as it is comparatively less in weight and for receptive heat transfer, however the above-mentioned materials interfere with the signals of one or more reception system such as Bluetooth, NFC antennas, and the like. In the present embodiment, a dual-heatsink (two heat sinks) 110 design is used that directly touches the backside of the display unit 102. The dual heat sink 110 optimally maintains the system within the hardware functional limit and almost eliminates the temperature raise that is caused while the instrument cluster (not shown) is functioning.
[00017] The heatsink 110 does nothing when the touch enabled display 100 is in turned-off condition. The heat from the display 112 to the aluminium heat sink 110 disposed in the second cover 106 is negligible as it is very low. But when the touch enabled display 100 is turned-on, it heats up the display unit 102 both in top and bottom direction. The heat from the display comes from a LED backlight (not shown) which is located at backside of the display 102 which is considered as a major heat source. When the display 100 is turned-on, heat from the heat source is directly dissipated by the aluminium heat sink 110 which directly touches the rear side of the display unit 102. By dissipating heat from behind, the heat transfer in the top direction is reduced and the touch screen temperature is maintained at the same condition as when the touch enabled display 100 was in turned-off condition. Apart from this, the touch panel 114 is secondarily protected by an optional IR film (not shown) that restricts Infra-red rays which builds up heat when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight.
[00018] In an embodiment, an active cooling system (not shown) is employed by either using a fan (not shown) or a liquid cooling system (not shown). But by implementing the active cooling system, the vehicle range is reduced as the power for cooling is also taken from the main battery (not shown) in case of an electric vehicle. However, the active cooling system is a better option for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (not shown). The active cooling system can be one of a Peltier module coupled with the cooling fan (not shown), or a Copper heat pipe coupled with the cooling fan (not shown), or a liquid cooling circuit with a radiator setup (not shown), or a liquid cooling circuit from a vehicle main radiator (not shown).
[00019] Fig.3(a) exemplarily illustrates a rear side top perspective view of the display unit 102. Fig.3(b) exemplarily illustrates a rear side cable connection of the display 100 (shown in fig.2). Fig.3(a) and Fig.3(b) shall be discussed together. The display unit 102 having the display 112 and the soda lime glass 114 is optically bonded together to form the display sub-assembly 102. The rear side of the display unit 102 shows the FPC cables (not shown) connection between the components of the one or more PCB 108 (shown in fig.2) accommodated in the first cover 104 (shown in fig.2) with the display unit 102. A touch screen FPC cable 122a connects the touch panel 114 for the related touch activities to the PCB 108 (shown in fig.2). The display signal FPC cable 122b connects the display 112 with the PCB 108 (shown in fig.2) or the processor 142 (shown in fig.2) for communicating the display 112 with different information. The LED backlight FPC cable 122c connects the PCB 108 (shown in fig.2) to the display 112. An LED backlight (not shown) creates a light that allow the display 112 to create the required image. There are multiple ways in which the LED backlights (not shown) can be arranged and different type of arrangement has different effect on picture quality of the display 112.
[00020] Fig.4 exemplarily illustrates a rear side perspective view of the first cover 104. The first cover 104 is a plastic part, which helps in reducing the weight of the touch enabled display 100 (shown in fig.2). The display unit 102 (shown in fig.3(a)) formed as a sub assembly includes a glass projection (not shown) across its periphery. LOCA is applied all over the glass projection and this display unit 102 sub-assembly is glued with the first cover 104 of the touch enabled display 100. The structure thus formed is mounted using a single fastener (not shown) which acts as an external clamp till the LOCA cures in between the display unit 102 (shown in fig.3(a)) and the plastic first cover 104. The first cover 104 is provided with provisions like one or more slots 124 (shown in fig.2 and fig.4) to accommodate the electronic components of the touch enabled display 100. The first cover 104 is also provided with one or more openings 140 through which the one or more heat sink 110 is in direct contact with the display unit 102. The first cover 104 and the display unit 102 (shown in fig.3(a)) formed as the structure is then flipped back to assemble one or more antennas 128 (shown in fig.2) by one or more fastening means 138. In the present embodiment, the entire structure is connected to the main PCB 108 (shown in fig.2) via the FPC cables (shown in fig.3(b)). The single PCB 108 is used that has the processor 142 in it and takes care the entire display functioning. The PCB 108 is considered as the mother board of the touch enabled display 100, wherein the PCBs 108 are connected through a SMA connectors (not shown), the touch 122a (shown in fig.3(b)), the display 122b (shown in fig.3(b)), and the LED backlight 122c (shown in fig.3(b)) are connected via the FPC cables. In the present embodiment, there are 4 antenna PCB’s internally such as NFC-GPS PCB 128, 4G main PCB (not shown), 4G dev PCB (not shown), and WIFI Bluetooth PCB (not shown). These PCB’s have their own functions and signal constrains such as NFC should be within a limit of 10 to 20mm from the vehicle surface as it takes care of the keyless vehicle entry. GPS should not have any metal coverage around it, to receive uninterrupted signal. The 4G antennas have the same restriction as of GPS antenna. The 4G antenna and NFC antennas 128 (shown in fig.2) are connected using the set of FPC cables and the wires are guided on to a wire guide (not shown) provided in the plastic first cover 104.
[00021] Fig.5(a) exemplarily illustrates a side view cut section of the touch enabled display 100. Fig.5(b) exemplarily illustrates a side view cut section of the touch enabled display 100 with a magnified portion. Fig.5(a) and Fig.5(b) shall be discussed together. The first cover 104 along with the display unit 102 is attached with the second cover 106 to form the touch enabled display 100. The second cover 106 is configured to have a groove 130 filled with sealant at a periphery of the second cover 106. The first cover 104 includes a projection 132 at a periphery, the projection 132 is configured to be accommodated in the groove 130. The second cover 106 is pressed and force is applied on the first cover 104 to cure the sealing means to form the touch enabled display 100. In the known art, to connect these parts, one or more fasteners (not shown) were used but it adds to the weight of the device and also was not aesthetically appealing. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first cover 104 and the second cover 106 are glued to each other by means of the groove 130 and projection 132 design, which also reduce weight and thickness of the entire display 100 and thus provides a compact packaged touch enabled display 100. The above-mentioned design can withstand high vibration. The sealing means (LOCA) has the capability of withstanding up to operating temperature 75-90°C. Apart from this, the first cover 104 and the second cover 106 are provided with one or more structural ribs 134 (shown in fig.4 and fig.2) for structural rigidity and vibration resistant, thus holds the PCB 108 intact at its place. The first cover 104 and the second cover 106 prevent dust and water entry, sustain vibration, and provides structural rigidity. Use of LOCA for attaching the parts, reduces the number of parts, weight and limits the part with minimum possible dimensions. The first cover 104 alone is used to hold the one or more PCB 108 in the display 100.
[00022] Fig.6(a) exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the second cover 104 as per another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.6(b) exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the second cover 104 as per another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.6(a) and Fig.6(b) shall be discussed together. In the present embodiment, the one or more fins 116 of the two heat sinks 110 provided at the left and the right sides of the display 100. However, an extended heat sink 136 is provided which extends towards the centre of the display unit 102 to touch one or more processor (not shown) so as to sink heat from the processor directly. A connector 118 is thus placed horizontally at a substantially middle portion. Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

List of Reference numerals
100: Touch enabled display
102: Display unit
104: First cover
106: Second cover
108: One or more PCB
110: One or more heat sink
112: Display
114: Touch panel
116: One or more fins
118: Connector
122a: Touch screen FPC cable
122b: Display signal FPC cable
122c: LED backlight FPC cable
124: One or more slots
126: One or more fastening means
128: NFC-GPS PCB antenna
130: Groove
132: Projection
134: One or more structural ribs
136: Extended heat sink
138: One or more fastening means
140: One or more openings
142: Processor

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A touch enabled display (100) comprising:
a display unit (102);
a first cover (104) disposed on the display unit (102);
a second cover (106) disposed on the first cover (104);
a one or more heat sink (110);
wherein, the first cover (104) being configured to accommodate one or more electronic components (108, 128); and
wherein, the one or more heat sink (110) being integrated with the second cover (106) for passive cooling of the touch enabled display (100).

2. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display unit (102) being in a range of 7- inch display to 14-inch display.
3. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover (104) and the second cover (106) being sealed by means of a sealant, and the second cover (106) being provided with a groove (130) at a periphery of the second cover (106), the groove (130) being filled with the sealant; and wherein, the first cover (104) includes a projection (132) at a periphery of the first cover (104), the projection (132) being configured to be accommodated in the groove (130) for achieving sealing.
4. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first cover (104) being configured with one or more slots (124) to accommodate one or more electronic components (108,128) of the touch enabled display (100);
the first cover (104) being configured with one or more openings (140);
and
wherein, the heat sink (110) being in direct contact with the display unit (102) through the one or more openings (140) in the first cover (104).
5. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover (106) being configured to be enmoulded with the heat sink (110), the heat sink (110) being provided with one or more fins (116) for cooling, the second cover (106) being configured with one or more cut outs (not shown) to accommodate the one or more fins (116) of the heat sink (110).
6. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a connector (118) being provided on the first cover (104), and the heat sink (110) extending towards a connector (118) for covering and sinking heat from a processor (142) (not shown), the processor (142) being part of the touch enabled display (100).
7. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more fins (116) being made of a metal and the second cover (106) being made of plastic.
8. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover (104) and second cover (106) being configured to have one or more structural ribs (134) for achieving structural rigidity of the touch enabled display (100)
9. The touch enabled display (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a single PCB (108) being provided in the touch enabled display (100), the single PCB (108) being capable of processing information for displaying a desired information on the display unit (102).
10. A method for manufacturing a touch enabled display (100), said method comprising the steps of:
bonding, by means of adhesive, a display (112) on to a touch panel (114);
curing, the display (112) and the touch panel (114) to form a display unit sub-assembly (102);
applying adhesive on a periphery having a glass projection (not shown) on the edges of the display unit sub-assembly (102);
press mounting, the periphery of the display unit sub-assembly (102) on to a first cover (104) and mounting by means of a fastener (not shown) until the curing take place to form a top assembly;
flipping back and assembling, one or more electronic components on to the first cover (104) by one or more fastening means (138);
connecting, the display unit (102) with one or more electronic components by means of one or more cables (122a, 122b, 122c);
applying sealing means in a groove (130) of the first cover (104); and
engaging a projection (132) of a second cover (106) inside the groove (130) of the first cover (104), pressing and applying force on the second cover (106) disposed on the first cover (104) for curing the sealing means to form the touch enabled display (100).