Decorative element comprising an image generating unit for improving the 3D

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle trim element (1) comprising a coated element (4) comprising a semi-reflective plate (14) defining at least one display area (19), a trim element (20) and a first image generating unit (6) arranged to emit a light beam towards the display area from which the light beam is reflected. The coating element comprises a second image generating unit (35) which backlights the decorative element (20) in order to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element (20), the second image generating unit (35) being synchronized with the first image generating unit (6) in order to give a 3D effect to the image displayed in the display area (19).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a type of decorative element comprising a body and a coating element extending over at least one region of a first portion of the body, the coating element comprising: a semi-reflective plate extending between an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, the outer surface forming at least a portion of the visible outer surface of the decorative element, the outer surface of the semi-reflective plate defining at least one display area; and a decorative element that is at least partially transparent and extends towards the inner surface, the decorative element further comprising at least one first image generating unit extending towards the outer surface and arranged to emit a light beam toward the display area when the first image generating unit is activated, the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit being reflected from the display area. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to set up image generation units in decorative elements such as dashboards or center consoles to display images on the outer surface of the decorative elements.

[0003] When activated, the image generation unit displays various types of information, such as information related to the operation of vehicles.

[0004] Such an image generating unit is, for example, arranged on a portion of the decorative element that extends toward the outer surface of the coating element. The image generating unit is then arranged to emit an image toward the outer surface of the coating element, and the image is then displayed on the outer surface of the coating element by reflection from the image generating unit.

[0005] The outer surface of the coated element is typically at least partially reflective so as to reflect the image projected by the image generating unit toward the user located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0006] This arrangement is advantageous because it allows the decorative elements to have a uniform appearance in and around the display area of ​​the image generated by the image generating unit, especially when the image generating unit is not activated, this appearance is imparted by the outer surface of the coated elements.

[0007] However, this arrangement limits the visual experience for users to be able to distinguish only images formed on the outer surface of the coated element. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One objective of this invention is to provide a decorative element that improves the visual experience for vehicle users, particularly by adding new sensory perceptions.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is a decorative element of the above type, wherein the coating element includes a second image generating unit that illuminates the decorative element from behind to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element, the second image generating unit being synchronized with a first image generating unit to give a 3D effect to the image displayed on the display area.

[0010] Since the coating element includes a first image generating unit and a second image generating unit, the second image generating unit being able to illuminate the decorative element from behind to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element, novel sensory effects (such as a light-blocking effect) can be added to the displayed image to give the image a 3D appearance.

[0011] Furthermore, since the second image generation unit is synchronized with the first image generation unit, the 3D effect added to the displayed image is accurate and consistent with the information displayed by the first image generation unit.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the decorative element, individually or in any technically feasible combination, includes one or more of the following features:

[0013] - The body includes a second part that extends toward at least a portion of the first part of the body and is spaced apart from the first part, and the first image generating unit is integrated with the second part of the display area facing the semi-reflective plate;

[0014] - The second image generating unit includes luminescent ink printed on the decorative element and / or multiple light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen, which displays an image on the decorative element when the second image generating unit is activated;

[0015] - The coating element includes a light-diffusing element arranged between the decorative element and the second image generating unit, thereby diffusing the light generated by the second image generating unit toward the decorative element;

[0016] - The semi-reflective plate is made of plastic materials such as acrylic polymethyl methacrylate, and / or of glass;

[0017] - The coating element and / or the first image generating unit includes one or more light-emitting diodes that illuminate at least a portion of the decorative element positioned facing the inner surface of the semi-reflective plate;

[0018] - The first image generating unit is tilted relative to the display area at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°;

[0019] - The distance separating the first image generating unit from a point on the semi-reflector plate, measured in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit, is less than the corresponding distance separating the same point on the semi-reflector plate from the decorative element, measured in the direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflector plate and in the opposite direction, thereby generating a virtual image in the plane between the decorative element and the semi-reflector plate.

[0020] - The distance separating the first image generating unit from a point on the semi-reflector, measured in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit, is 20mm to 50mm greater than the corresponding distance Dr separating this same point on the semi-reflector from the decorative element, measured in both the direction and the opposite direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflector; and

[0021] - The semi-reflective plate is transparent and has a reflectivity between 20% and 30%; and

[0022] - The decorative element is applied in contact with the outer surface of the second image generating unit at least in part. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will become clearer when reading the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the decorative element according to the first embodiment.

[0025] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the decorative element according to the second embodiment.

[0026] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the decorative element according to the third embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view of decorative elements in a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] refer to Figure 1 The text describes a vehicle decorative element 1, which includes a body 2, a coating element 4, and a first image generating unit 6. This decorative element 1 forms, for example, a vehicle dashboard, center console, or door panel.

[0029] The body 2 is arranged to impart its overall shape and mechanical properties to the decorative element 1. The body 2 includes at least a first portion 8 that extends in a portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle that is visible to at least one occupant of the vehicle.

[0030] Body 2 includes, for example, a second part 9 that extends relative to at least a portion of the first part 8 of body 2.

[0031] The second part 9 of the main body 2 is spaced apart from the first part 8.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, decorative element 1 is the dashboard, and the first part 8 corresponds to the lower part of the body 2, which extends towards the front occupants of the vehicle and serves as a support for several functional elements such as the instrument panel, glove box, audio and / or air conditioning system, etc.

[0033] The coating element 4 extends over at least one region of the first portion 8 of the body 2. More specifically, the coating element 4 extends between the inner surface 10, which is applied to at least a portion of the first portion 8 of the body 2, and the outer surface 12 opposite to the inner surface 10.

[0034] "Inside" and "rear" refer to the parts of the passenger compartment of a vehicle with decorative elements installed, while "outside" and "in front of" refer to the parts of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0035] The coating element 4 includes a semi-reflective plate 14 extending between an outer surface 16 and an inner surface 18 opposite to the outer surface 16, the outer surface forming at least a portion of the outer surface 12 of the coating element 4.

[0036] Visible surface refers to the surface that is visible to the occupants of the vehicle when the decorative element 1 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0037] The semi-reflective plate 14 is attached, for example, to one end or each end of the coating element 4 and / or the second part 9 of the body 2.

[0038] At least a portion of the outer surface 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14 defines at least one display area 19.

[0039] The first image generating unit 6 extends outward 16 toward the semi-reflective plate 14 and is arranged to emit a light beam toward the display area 19 when the first image generating unit 6 is activated.

[0040] The light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 is arranged to represent, for example, a specific pattern (such as an image) or an icon representing certain functions of the vehicle (such as temperature regulation in the passenger cabin or multimedia management).

[0041] The semi-reflector 14 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light beam received from the first image generating unit 6 onto the display area 19.

[0042] "Configured to reflect" is understood to mean that when a light beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm strikes the outer surface 16 and / or inner surface 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14, the light beam is partially reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0043] For example, a semi-reflective plate has a reflectivity between 20% and 30%.

[0044] In other words, between 20% and 30% of the electromagnetic energy of the incident beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is reflected by the semi-reflector 14, and the remaining percentage of the electromagnetic energy is transmitted by the semi-reflector 14.

[0045] The semi-reflective plate 14 is at least partially transparent or semi-transparent, and therefore a user in the passenger compartment of the vehicle can see through the semi-reflective plate 14 when the first image generating unit 6 is not activated and when the first image generating unit 6 is activated.

[0046] When the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 strikes the semi-reflective plate 14, the first part of the light beam is reflected toward the outside of the coating element 4 (i.e., toward the user's eye), and the second part is refracted toward the inside of the coating element 4.

[0047] The light beam is reflected toward the user, thereby creating a virtual image on the inside of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0048] The semi-reflective plate 14 is made of, for example, a plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and / or glass.

[0049] The semi-reflective plate 14 has, for example, a thickness measured between the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 16. When the semi-reflective plate 14 is made of plastic material, the thickness is between 4 mm and 5 mm, and when the semi-reflective plate 14 is made of glass, the thickness is at least 2 mm.

[0050] At least the outer surface 16, and preferably the inner surface 18, of the semi-reflective plate 14 is a flat surface.

[0051] "Flat" is understood to mean that the outer surface 16 and preferably the inner surface 18 are substantially flat, with a maximum deviation of 0.5 mm per 100 mm.

[0052] The coated element 4 also includes a decorative element 20.

[0053] Decorative element 20 is applied to the first part 8 of body 2 and extends between body 2 and semi-reflective plate 14.

[0054] Decorative element 20 is, for example, L-shaped, wherein when the vehicle is in its normal use position, the first portion extends substantially horizontally and the second portion extends substantially vertically.

[0055] Decorative element 20 extends toward the inner surface 18 of semi-reflective plate 14.

[0056] More specifically, the decorative element 20 extends toward the inner surface 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14 and is spaced a certain distance from the inner surface.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment, the distance De separating the first image generating unit 6 from a point P on the semi-reflector 14, measured in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6, is less than the corresponding distance Dr separating this same point P on the semi-reflector 14 from the decorative element 20, measured in the direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflector 14 and in the opposite direction.

[0058] Specifically, this applies to each beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6, and to all points P located on the semi-reflector 14 that reflect the beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6.

[0059] Due to the specific geometry of the coated element 4, the light beam forms a virtual image in plane B between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14, rather than on the decorative element 20. This adds a depth effect to the image observed by the user.

[0060] Because a virtual image is generated in plane B between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14, a user viewing the image reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14 observes a floating image located between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14 (i.e., behind the outer surface 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the decorative element 1 is a dashboard).

[0061] In one example implementation, the distance De separating the first image generating unit 6 from a point P on the semi-reflector 14, measured in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6, is 20 mm to 50 mm greater than the corresponding distance Dr separating this same point P on the semi-reflector 14 from the decorative element 20, measured in the direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflector 14.

[0062] The selection of distances De and Dr determines the position of the plane B used to display the reflected image between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0063] The decorative element 20 can be made of any desired material (preferably non-reflective and at least partially transparent or translucent).

[0064] For example, decorative element 20 is textile, leather, artificial leather, or plastic. In one embodiment, the decorative element is light-colored and preferably flat to improve the visibility of the floating image.

[0065] The decorative element 20 is also designed to give the coated element 4 its appearance. This allows the decorative element 1 to have a particularly pleasing appearance when the first image generating unit 6 is activated and when the first image generating unit is not activated.

[0066] Since the semi-reflective plate 14 is at least partially transparent or translucent, the decorative element 20 positioned facing the inner surface 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14 is visible to the user inside the vehicle when viewing through the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0067] Decorative element 20 then serves as a decorative background visible to the user, in front of which a floating image is displayed. This feature improves the user's sensory perception, particularly their visual perception, when the user wishes to display information in the vehicle via decorative element 1.

[0068] According to the invention, the first image generating unit 6 extends beyond the first portion 8 of the body 2. In other words, the first image generating unit 6 is not placed "below" the coating element 4 facing the inner surface 10 of the coating element 4, and the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 does not pass through the coating element 4 and the semi-reflective plate 14, as is the case when the first image generating unit 6 is placed in the first portion 8 of the body 2 to illuminate the display area 19 from behind.

[0069] In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, the first image generating unit 6 is integrated with the second portion 9 of the display area 19 of the body 2 facing the outer side 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0070] Therefore, when the decorative element 1 is a dashboard and the first part 8 is formed by the lower part of the body 2, the second part 9 is formed, for example, by the upper part of the body 2, which is separated from the first part 8 in the height direction and extends cantilevered above the coating element 4, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0071] The height direction is, for example, the direction in which the vehicle floor is connected to the vehicle roof.

[0072] The first image generating unit 6 is mounted in the second part 9 so as to be oriented relative to the outside 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14 as needed, such that the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 is guided toward the display area 19 and reflected on the display area.

[0073] The second part 9 of the body 2 is arranged, for example, such that when the vehicle occupant is seated facing the display area 19, the first image generating unit 6 is not directly visible to the vehicle occupant.

[0074] According to the present invention, by reflecting and / or refracting the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 to such... Figure 1 These beams of light can be seen by the occupants of the vehicle on the display area 19 shown.

[0075] According to the present invention, during normal use of the vehicle, the light beam emitted by the first image generation unit 6 is therefore not directly visible to the user's eyes.

[0076] Specifically, the first image generating unit 6 can be used to display driving information about the vehicle (speed, fuel level, etc.), its geographical location, the status of certain functions of the vehicle, and / or to display audiovisual content in the display area 19.

[0077] When the first image generating unit 6 is activated or turned on, the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 is reflected and / or refracted onto the display area 19.

[0078] The orientation of the outer surface 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14 relative to the first image generating unit 6 is such that the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 is reflected by the outer surface 16 toward the eyes of the vehicle occupant seated facing the display area 19.

[0079] Therefore, the angle α formed between the outer 16 in the display area 19 and the display surface of the first image generating unit 6 is, for example, between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°.

[0080] When the first image generating unit 6 is not activated or turned off, the appearance of the display area 19 is the appearance of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0081] When the semi-reflective plate 14 is at least partially transparent, the user can see the decorative element 20 through the semi-reflective plate 14 regardless of whether the first image generating unit 6 is turned on or off.

[0082] The first image generating unit 6 includes, for example, a plurality of individual light-emitting diodes.

[0083] In one exemplary embodiment, the first image generating unit 6 includes at least one screen 30 facing the display area 19.

[0084] Screen 30 displays an image on at least a portion of display area 19.

[0085] For example, screen 30 is illuminated by multiple light-emitting diodes.

[0086] According to one implementation, when the first image generating unit 6 is activated, the diode is individually controlled to be turned on or off.

[0087] For example, the diodes that are turned on or off can be selected based on the color of the image to be displayed and / or the desired contrast in the image.

[0088] According to the present invention, the coating element 4 further includes a second image generating unit 35, which illuminates the decorative element 20 from the back to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element 20.

[0089] The second image generating unit 35 is located, for example, behind at least a portion of the decorative element 20, and may have any geometry. For example, the second image generating unit 35 may include a flat or curved surface facing the decorative element.

[0090] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the second image generating unit 35 forms at least a portion of the inner surface 10 of the coated element 4 facing the display area 19. In other words, the second image generating unit 35 extends on the first portion 8 of the body 2 between the body 2 and the decorative element 20.

[0091] Alternatively, the second image generating unit 35 extends on the inner surface 10 of the coating element 4.

[0092] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the first portion 8 of the body 2 defines a receiving housing for the second image generating unit 35. The receiving housing has, for example, a shape complementary to the second image generating unit 35, such that the outer surface of the second image generating unit 35 is flush with the outer surface 12 of the coating element 4.

[0093] Decorative element 20, for example, at least partially abuts against the outer surface of the second image generating unit 35 between the second image generating unit 35 and the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0094] Decorative elements 20 are applied, for example, in direct contact with the outer surface of the second image generating unit 35.

[0095] The second image generating unit 35 is arranged to be displayed on the decorative element 20 in a light-emitting area behind the virtual image (in the case of the dashboard, in front of the virtual image in the direction of travel of the vehicle) and / or below the virtual image formed by the refraction of the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit 6 in the height direction.

[0096] The decorative element 20 is at least partially transparent or translucent, and the light-emitting area generated by the second image generating unit 35 is also visible to a user located in front of the decorative element, especially in front of the semi-reflective plate 14, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0097] The second image generation unit 35 is synchronized with the first image generation unit 6 so as to generate a 3D effect on the image displayed on the display area 19.

[0098] "Synchronization" is understood to mean that the second image generating unit 35 is connected to the first image generating unit 6 so as to be activated when the first image generating unit 6 is activated, and to display a light-emitting area associated with the image emitted by the first image generating unit 6. "Association" is understood to mean that the characteristics of the image emitted by the first image generating unit 6 and reflected on the semi-reflective plate 14 (such as the positioning, size, brightness, and color of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14) determine the characteristics of the light-emitting area displayed on the decorative element 20 (such as the positioning, size, brightness, and color of the light-emitting area) in order to improve the visibility and / or contrast and / or appearance of the virtual image. Of course, when determining the light-emitting area displayed by the second image generating unit 35, other characteristics of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14 may be considered.

[0099] Furthermore, the characteristics of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflective plate 14 are determined by known parameters, which are related to the first image generating unit 6 on the one hand and the geometry of the decorative element 1 on the other. Therefore, the luminous area displayed on the decorative element 20, determined by the second image generating unit 35, depends only on the parameters of the first image generating unit 6, which may differ between each emitted image and depend on parameters related to the geometry of the decorative element 1, which are constant and predetermined.

[0100] Therefore, the parameters of the light-emitting area displayed on the decorative element are synchronized in real time with the variable parameters of the first image generation unit 6.

[0101] For this purpose, the second image generating unit 35 includes, for example, an electronic control unit (not shown) that is capable of receiving information from the first image generating unit 6 and activating the second image generating unit 35 synchronously with the first image generating unit 6 in order to produce a 3D effect on the displayed image.

[0102] "Producing a 3D effect" is understood to mean that the luminous areas displayed on the decorative element 20 by the second image generating unit 35 are advantageously positioned and shaped to add a three-dimensional effect, such as an embossed effect, to the displayed image. For example, the luminous areas displayed on the decorative element 20 form, but are not limited to, shadows of the image displayed by the first image generating unit 6. Therefore, the user observes the image reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14 and the luminous areas displayed on the decorative element 20 by the second image generating unit 35, which they see through the semi-reflective plate 14. These luminous areas give the displayed image an illusion of depth and a realistic effect.

[0103] These features, when combined with the impression of “floating” images as described above, significantly improve the user experience for those benefiting from the new visual experience.

[0104] In order to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element 20, the second image generating unit 35 includes, for example, light-emitting ink printed on the decorative element 20 and / or a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen, which displays an image on the decorative element 20 when the second image generating unit 35 is activated.

[0105] When the second image generating unit 35 includes luminescent ink printed on the decorative element 20, it also includes at least one current source that activates at least a portion of the luminescent ink to generate one or more luminescent areas on the decorative element. As explained above, the luminescent areas displayed on the decorative element are determined based on parameters of the image emitted by the first image generating unit 6 and reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0106] In each of the above cases, the second image generation unit 35 is synchronized with the first image generation unit 6 to give the display image the desired 3D effect, as defined above.

[0107] According to the desired visual effect, the second image generating unit 35 displays white and / or colored light-emitting areas on the decorative element 20.

[0108] In one exemplary embodiment, the second image generating unit 35 is configured to display an animated luminous area on the decorative element 20. In other words, the second image generating unit 35 is capable of creating a moving image by specifically selecting the luminous area to be displayed and the duration of the luminous area's display. The user then perceives the animated image, and his or her sensory experience is enhanced.

[0109] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment shown, the coating element 4 includes a light diffuser element 38 disposed between the decorative element 20 and the second image generating unit 35, thereby diffuses the light generated by the second image generating unit 35 toward the decorative element 20.

[0110] The light-diffusing element 38 extends over at least a portion of the second image generating unit 35, preferably over the entire second image generating unit 35. In particular, the light-diffusing element 38 extends on the outer surface of the second image generating unit 35.

[0111] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the receiving housing defined by the first part 8 of the body 2 then has a shape, for example, complementary to the second image generating unit 35 and the light diffuser element 38, such that the light diffuser element 38 is flush with the outer surface 12 of the coating element 4.

[0112] In this embodiment, the decorative element 20, for example, at least partially abuts against the light-diffusing element 38 between the second image generating unit 35 and the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0113] Decorative element 20 is applied, for example, in direct contact with light-diffusing element 38.

[0114] In other words, the decorative element 20 is applied, for example, at least partially in contact with the outer surface of the second image generating unit 35 and / or the light diffuser element 38.

[0115] The light diffuser element 38 allows the light-emitting area to be repositioned on the decorative element 20 in order to achieve a more realistic and harmonious 3D effect for the displayed image on the one hand, and to avoid the formation of an over-illuminated area on the decorative element 20, which may disturb the user and / or reduce the appearance quality of the image displayed by the first image generating unit 6 on the other hand.

[0116] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, the coating element 4 and / or the first image generating unit 6 includes at least one auxiliary lighting system, such as one or more light-emitting diodes 40, which illuminates at least a portion of the decorative element 20 positioned facing the inner surface 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0117] The light-emitting diode 40 is arranged to emit a light beam toward the decorative element 20, the emitted light beam passing behind the plane B in which a virtual image is formed, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0118] The light-emitting diode 40 may also be fixed in front of the plane B in which the virtual image is formed, but the light-emitting diode 40 is arranged to emit a light beam in a specific direction, particularly in a direction that does not interfere with the plane B in which the virtual image is formed.

[0119] The presence of such light-emitting diodes 40 allows for a reduction in the contrast of the displayed image, especially in order to limit the "edge effect" and thus improve the user's visual experience.

[0120] "Edge effect" is understood to mean that the edge of the first image generating unit 6, especially when the first image generating unit 6 includes the screen 30, can be visible on the decorative element 20, because only the emitting portion of the first image generating unit 6 is reflected on the semi-reflective plate 14 and thus appears in front of the decorative element 20.

[0121] In one exemplary embodiment, the screen 30 of the first image generating unit 6 is provided with anti-reflective treatment to limit the effect of image overlay and thus improve the visual quality of the image reflected on the display area 19.

[0122] Figure 4 An example of an image display with the 3D effect achieved as described above is shown. In this embodiment, the semi-reflective plate 14 is not shown for better visibility.

[0123] In this particular example, the second image generating unit 35 displays a luminous area with a shadowed appearance behind the image reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0124] The user then perceives a floating image, which is enhanced by shadows on the decorative element 20, giving it an embossed and depth effect.

[0125] In an embodiment not shown, the virtual image formed by the first image generating unit extends away from the decorative element in the height direction of the vehicle in order to enhance the floating effect of the virtual image.

[0126] The decorative element 1 according to the present invention has many advantages.

[0127] Due to the specific geometry of the decorative element 1, and especially due to the distance involved between the first image generating unit 6, the semi-reflective plate 14, and the decorative element 20, the decorative element 1 improves the user's visual experience by displaying a floating virtual image located between the semi-reflective plate 14 and the decorative element 20.

[0128] In addition, the second image generating unit 35 provides an embossed effect to the displayed image, allowing the user to see a depth image with a three-dimensional appearance that floats in front of the decorative element 20.

[0129] Furthermore, when the first image generating unit 6 is not used, the outer surface 12 of the coated element 4 and, in particular, the decorative element 20 visible through the semi-reflective plate 14 have a particularly pleasing appearance that is not altered by the presence of an image generating unit facing the display area 19 inside the first part 8 of the body 2.

[0130] It should be understood that the decorative element according to the invention may include several display areas associated with several decorative elements and several image generating units, or an extended display area thereon on which images from several image generating units are reflected.

Claims

1. A vehicle decorative element (1), the vehicle decorative element comprising a body (2) and a coating element (4), the coating element extending over at least one region of a first portion (8) of the body (2), the coating element (4) comprising: A semi-reflective plate (14) extending between an outer surface (16) and an inner surface (18) opposite to the outer surface (16), the outer surface forming at least a portion of the visible outer surface (12) of the coated element (4), the outer surface (16) of the semi-reflective plate (14) defining at least one display area (19); and a decorative element (20) that is at least partially transparent and extends toward the inner surface (18), the decorative element (1) further comprising at least one first image generating unit (6) extending toward the outer surface (16) and arranged thereto. When the first image generating unit (6) is activated, it emits a light beam toward the display area (19), and the light beam emitted by the first image generating unit (6) is reflected from the display area (19). The coating element (4) includes a second image generating unit (35), which illuminates the decorative element (20) from behind to display a light-emitting area on the decorative element (20). The second image generating unit (35) is synchronized with the first image generating unit (6) to give a 3D effect to the image displayed in the display area (19).

2. The decorative element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the body (2) includes a second portion (9) extending toward at least a portion of the first portion (8) of the body and spaced apart from the first portion (8), and the first image generating unit (6) is integral with the second portion (9) of the display area (19) facing the semi-reflective plate (14).

3. The decorative element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second image generating unit (35) comprises luminescent ink printed on the decorative element (20) and / or a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen, wherein when the second image generating unit (35) is activated, the screen displays an image on the decorative element (20).

4. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating element (4) includes a light diffuser element (38) disposed between the decorative element (20) and the second image generating unit (35) to diffuse light generated by the second image generating unit (35) toward the decorative element (20).

5. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the semi-reflective plate (14) is made of a plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate and / or glass.

6. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating element (4) and / or the first image generating unit (6) includes one or more light-emitting diodes (40) that illuminate at least a portion of the decorative element (20) positioned facing the inner surface (18) of the semi-reflective plate (14).

7. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first image generating unit (6) is tilted relative to the display area (19) at an angle (α) between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°.

8. A decorative element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (De) separating the first image generating unit (6) from a point (P) on the semi-reflective plate (14) in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit (6) is less than the corresponding distance (Dr) separating this same point (P) on the semi-reflective plate (14) from the decorative element (20) in the direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflective plate (14) and in the opposite direction, generates a virtual image in the plane (B) between the decorative element (20) and the semi-reflective plate (14).

9. The decorative element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (De) separating the first image generating unit (6) from a point (P) on the semi-reflective plate (14) as measured in the direction of each individual beam emitted by the first image generating unit (6) is 20 mm to 50 mm greater than the corresponding distance Dr separating this same point (P) on the semi-reflective plate (14) from the decorative element (20) as measured in the direction of the corresponding beam reflected by the semi-reflective plate (14) and in the opposite direction.

10. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the semi-reflective plate (14) is transparent and has a reflectivity between 20% and 30%.

11. The decorative element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (20) is applied in contact with the outer surface of the second image generating unit (35) at least in part.

Images