A trim element comprising a semi-reflective blade to reflect light from an image generation unit.

Abstract

Trim element comprising a semi-reflective blade for reflecting light from an image generation unit. The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element (1) comprising a trim element (4) including a semi-reflective blade (14) forming part of a visible external surface of the trim element (1), and defining at least one display area (20), the trim element (1) further comprising an image generation unit (6) extending opposite the display area (20) and arranged to display images on said display area (20), the images emitted by the image generation unit (6) being reflected onto the display area (20). The semi-reflective blade (14) comprises a first portion (24) having a first reflectivity R1 and a second portion (26) having a second reflectivity R2 strictly lower than the first reflectivity R1. Figure for the abridged version: 2

Description

Title of the invention: A trim element comprising a semi-reflective blade for reflecting light from an image generation unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a trim element of the type comprising a body and a covering element extending over at least one area of ​​a first part of the body, said covering element comprising a semi-reflective blade extending between an external face, forming at least a part of a visible external surface of the trim element, and an internal face, opposite the external face, the external face of the semi-reflective blade defining at least one display area, the trim element further comprising at least one image generation unit extending opposite the display area and arranged to display images on said display area when the image generation unit is activated, the images emitted by the image generation unit being reflected onto the display area.

[0002] It is known to provide an image generation unit in a trim element, such as a dashboard, a center console or other, in order to display images on an external surface of the trim element.

[0003] When active, the image generation unit displays, for example, different types of information relating to the operation of the vehicle.

[0004] Such an image generation unit is, for example, disposed on a portion of the trim element extending opposite an external surface of a cladding element. The image generation unit is then arranged to emit images towards the external surface of the cladding element, the images then being displayed on the external surface of the cladding element by reflection of the images from the image generation unit.

[0005] The external surface of the coating element is generally at least partly reflective so as to reflect the images projected by the image generation unit towards a user located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0006] Such an arrangement is advantageous in that it allows the trim element to have a uniform appearance in and around the image display area of ​​the image generation unit, particularly when the image generation unit is not activated, this appearance being conferred by the external surface of the trim element.

[0007] However, adjusting the reflectivity of the reflective surface can prove tricky.

[0008] Indeed, a compromise must be found between sufficient reflectivity to display in a visible manner the images projected by the image generation unit to the user and moderate reflectivity so as not to dazzle the user, especially when natural light is reflected off the reflective surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the reflectivity value of the reflective surface must comply with the numerous regulatory standards related to the display of information in a vehicle, in particular for the display of safety or driving pictograms (lights on, engine problem, etc.).

[0010] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a trim element that allows information to be displayed in a clearly visible way to a user via an image generation unit, while ensuring the user's visual comfort in all situations.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a trim element of the aforementioned type in which the semi-reflective blade comprises at least a first part having a first reflectivity RI and at least a second part having a second reflectivity R2, the first reflectivity RI being strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2, the external face of the first part and the second part forming at least a part of the display area.

[0012] Since the first and second parts have distinct levels of reflectivity, it is possible to display images projected by the image generation unit with sufficient contrast.

[0013] Indeed, since the first reflectivity is strictly greater than the second reflectivity, it is possible on the one hand to have local areas that are brighter than others in order to display a clearly visible image for the user, and on the other hand to have local areas that are less reflective in order not to dazzle a user when natural light is reflected on the semi-reflective blade.

[0014] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the filling element comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0015] - the first reflectivity RI is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%;

[0016] - the second reflectivity R2 is between 20% and 40%;

[0017] - the body comprises a second part extending opposite at least one part of the first part of the body and spaced from said first part, the image generation unit being attached to said second part opposite the display area of ​​the outer face of the semi-reflective blade;

[0018] - the image generation unit includes at least one screen opposite the area display having a luminance of at least 700 cd / m2, the screen displaying images on at least part of the display area when the image generation unit is activated;

[0019] - a mirror is fixed to the inner face of the first part of the semi- reflective and / or a reflective layer is added to the inner face of the first part of the semi-reflective blade and / or a reflective layer is added to the outer face of the first part of the semi-reflective blade;

[0020] - the inner face of the or each first part of the semi-reflective plate is inclined relative to the outer face of the first part of the semi-reflective blade;

[0021] - the first part or each part represents a small percentage of the total surface area of the semi-reflective blade, in particular less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the semi-reflective blade;

[0022] - the first part or each part is arranged on the periphery of the semi-rear blade bending or in the form of a central band; and

[0023] - the image generation unit includes a first screen opposite the area display having a luminance of at least 700 cd / m2 and a second screen superimposed on the first screen, the first and second screens displaying images on at least part of the display area when the image generation unit is activated.

[0024] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of part of a trim element according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of part of a trim element according to a first embodiment of the invention, and

[0027] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of part of a trim element according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] With reference to [Fig.1], a vehicle trim element 1 is described comprising a body 2, a covering element 4 and an image generation unit 6. Such a trim element 1 forms, for example, a vehicle dashboard, a center console, a door panel or other.

[0029] The body 2 is arranged to give its general shape and mechanical characteristics to the trim element 1. The body 2 comprises at least a first part 8 which extends into a part of the vehicle's interior visible to at least one occupant of the vehicle.

[0030] The body 2 includes for example a second part 9 extending opposite at least a part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

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

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

[0033] The coating element 4 extends over at least one area of ​​the first part 8 of the body 2. More particularly, the coating element 4 extends between an internal surface 10, applied to at least one part of the first part 8 of the body 2, and an external surface 12, opposite the internal surface 10.

[0034] By "internal" is meant what is turned towards the element of the vehicle's passenger compartment on which the trim element is installed and by "external" is meant what is turned towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0035] The covering element 4 comprises a semi-reflective blade 14 extending between an external face 16, forming at least a part of the external surface 12 of the lining element 4, and an internal face 18, opposite the external face 16.

[0036] By visible surface, we mean a surface that is visible to the occupants of the vehicle when the trim element 1 is installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0037] The semi-reflective blade 14 is, for example, integrated into the coating element 4, the external face 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14 being flush with the external surface 12 of the coating element 4

[0038] Alternatively, the semi-reflective blade 14 extends over the coating element 4, the inner face 18 of the semi-reflective blade 14 being applied to the outer surface 12 of the coating element 4.

[0039] Thus, the coating element 4 gives its appearance to at least a part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

[0040] Similarly, the semi-reflective blade 14 gives its appearance to at least a part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

[0041] At least a part of the outer face 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14 defines at least one display area 20 on which images from the image generation unit 6 are reflected.

[0042] The image generation unit 6 extends alongside the display area 20.

[0043] According to the invention, the image generation unit 6 extends outside the first part 8 of the body 2. In other words, the image generation unit 6 is not placed "under" the coating element 4 opposite the internal surface 10 of the coating element 4 and the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 do not pass through the coating element 4 and the semi-reflective blade 14 as is the case when the image generation unit 6 is placed in the first part 8 of the body 2 in order to backlight the display area 20.

[0044] In particular, in one embodiment, the image generation unit 6 is attached to the second part 9 of the body 2 opposite the display area 20 of the external face 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0045] Thus, when the trim element 1 is a dashboard and the first part 8 is formed by a lower part of the body 2, the second part 9 is for example formed by an upper part of the body 2 separated from the first part 8 in an elevation direction and extending cantilevered in relation to the trim element 4, as shown in [Fig.1].

[0046] The elevation direction is, for example, a direction connecting the floor of the vehicle to the roof of the vehicle.

[0047] The image generation unit 6 is mounted in the second part 9 so as to be oriented as desired with respect to the outer face 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14 so that the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are directed towards the display area 20 and reflected onto it.

[0048] The second part 9 of the body 2 is arranged for example so that the image generation unit 6 is not directly visible to the occupants of the vehicle when they are seated opposite the display area 20.

[0049] According to the invention, the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are visible to an occupant of the vehicle by reflection of these images on the display area 20 as shown in [Fig.1].

[0050] According to the invention, the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are therefore not directly visible to the eye of a user in normal vehicle operating position.

[0051] The image generation unit 6 is arranged to display images on said display area 20 when the image generation unit 6 is activated or turned on.

[0052] In particular, the image generation unit 6 can be used to display information on vehicle driving (speed, energy gauge, safety pictogram, etc.), its geolocation, the status of certain vehicle functions and / or to display audiovisual content; in the display area 20.

[0053] When the image generation unit 6 is activated or turned on, the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are reflected onto the display area 20.

[0054] The orientation of the outer face 16 of the semi-reflective blade 14 with respect to the image generation unit 6 is such that the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are reflected by the outer face 16 towards the eye of a vehicle occupant seated opposite the display area 20.

[0055] For this purpose, the angle formed between the outer face 16 in the display area 20 and the display surface of the image generation unit 6 is for example between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

[0056] When the image generation unit 6 is not activated or is switched off, the appearance of the display area 20 is that of the coating element 4, visible through the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0057] The image generation unit 16 comprises, for example, a plurality of individual light-emitting diodes.

[0058] In one embodiment, the image generation unit 6 includes at least one screen 22 opposite the display area 20.

[0059] The screen 22 displays images on at least part of the display area 20.

[0060] The screen 22 is for example illuminated by the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the diodes are individually controlled to be turned on or off when the image generation unit 6 is activated.

[0062] The selection of the diodes to be lit or off is, for example, carried out according to the colours of the images to be displayed and / or the desired contrast in the images.

[0063] The screen 22 has, for example, a luminance of at least 700 cd / m2.

[0064] In particular, the screen 22 has a luminance greater than 1000 cd / m2.

[0065] Alternatively, only part of the screen has a luminance greater than 700 cd / m2.

[0066] Since the image generation unit 6 is not visible to a user in a normal position in the vehicle, such luminance is not bothersome to the user, who does not see the screen 22 directly.

[0067] Such luminance, combined with specific characteristics of the semi-reflective blade 14 as will be described in more detail later, makes it possible to display images on the display area 20 with high brightness and a contrast satisfactory to the user.

[0068] The semi-reflective blade 14 is configured to reflect at least part of the light rays received from the image generation unit 6.

[0069] By "configured to reflect" it is understood that a light ray with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is partially reflected by the semi-reflective plate 14 when it strikes the outer face 16 and / or the inner face 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0070] The semi-reflective blade 14 is at least partly transparent.

[0071] Thus, in particular when the image generation unit 6 is inactive, the external surface 12 and / or the internal surface 10 of the coating element 4 is visible to a user inside the vehicle's passenger compartment through the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0072] The semi-reflective blade 14 is for example made of plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or of glass.

[0073] The semi-reflective blade 14, for example, has a thickness, measured between the outer face 18 and the inner face 16, of between 4 mm and 5 mm, when the blade semi-reflective 14 is made of plastic and is greater than 2 mm when the semi-reflective 14 blade is made of glass.

[0074] At least the outer face 16, preferably also the inner face 18, of the semi-reflective plate 14 is a flat surface.

[0075] By planar, it is understood that the external face 16, and preferably also the internal face 18, is substantially planar with a maximum deviation of 0.5 mm per 100 mm.

[0076] The semi-reflective plate 14 comprises at least a first part 24 having a first reflectivity RI and at least a second part 26 having a second reflectivity R2.

[0077] The first part or each first part 24 extends between an external face 24A and an internal face 24B, the external face 24A forming a part of the external face 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14, and the internal face 24B forming a part of the internal face 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0078] Similarly, the or each second part 26 extends between an external face 26A and an internal face 26B, the external face 26A forming a part of the external face 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14, and the internal face 26B forming a part of the internal face 18 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0079] The external faces 24A, 26A, of the first part 24 and of the second part 26 thus form at least a part of the display area 20.

[0080] The first part or each first part 24 is for example a local area of ​​the semi-reflective plate 14, located at the periphery, in the center, or on any part of the semi-reflective plate 14, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0081] The or each second part 26 is for example complementary to the or each first part 24 in order to form at least a part of the display area 20.

[0082] For example, the or each second part 26 is for example complementary to the or each first part 24 in order to form the entirety of the display area 20.

[0083] The first reflectivity RI is strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2.

[0084] For example, the first reflectivity RI is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

[0085] By "greater than 50%", it is meant that at least 50% of the electromagnetic energy of an incident light ray having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is reflected at the surface of the first part 24, and that the remaining percentage of electromagnetic energy is transmitted into and / or through the first part 24.

[0086] The second reflectivity R2 is for example between 20% and 40%.

[0087] For example, the second reflectivity R2 is equal to 30%.

[0088] The first part or parts 24 improve the contrast of the images reflected on the semi-reflective plate 14 in order to display information to the user of in a sufficiently visible manner, even in broad daylight and especially for safety pictograms.

[0089] The second part 26 makes it possible to maintain a moderate average reflectivity value, in particular when the image generation unit 6 is inactive, so that the natural light arriving on the semi-reflective blade 14 is not excessively reflected towards the user, which could dazzle and bother him.

[0090] In one embodiment shown in [Fig.2], a mirror 28 is fixed to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0091] The mirror 28, for example, has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0092] The mirror 28 is, for example, glued to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0093] The mirror 28 allows the reflectivity of the semi-reflective plate 14 to be increased in the part in which it is located.

[0094] The mirror 28 is arranged so that a light ray passing through the semi-reflective plate 14 and striking the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective plate 14 is predominantly reflected towards the outer face 24A of the first part 24, and thus towards the eye of the user.

[0095] By "mostly", it is meant that at least 50% of the electromagnetic energy of an incident light ray having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is reflected when the light ray strikes the inner face 24B of the first part 24 on which the mirror 28 is located.

[0096] For example, if the semi-reflective plate 14 has a reflectivity of approximately 30% over the whole of the semi-reflective plate 14, the or each first part 24 whose inner face 24B is coated with a mirror 28 has an increased reflectivity, for example greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

[0097] Alternatively or in addition, a reflective layer is added to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective plate 14 and / or a reflective layer is added to the outer face 24A of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective plate 14.

[0098] The reflective layer is arranged so that a light ray striking the outer face 24A of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective blade 14 is mostly reflected towards the user's eye.

[0099] By "mostly", it is meant that at least 50% of the electromagnetic energy of an incident light ray having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is reflected when the light ray strikes the outer face 24A of the first part 24 on which the reflective layer is added.

[0100] For example, if the semi-reflective plate 14 has a reflectivity of approximately 30% over the entire semi-reflective plate 14, the first part or parts 24, whose outer face 24A is coated with a reflective layer, has increased reflectivity, for example greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

[0101] In one embodiment, the reflective layer or layers added to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 and / or to the outer face 24A of the first part 24 are formed by screen printing using a reflective ink.

[0102] In another embodiment, the reflective layer or layers are formed by laminating a metallic film.

[0103] In order to provide a satisfactory visual effect, and to minimize the contrast between the display area 20 and the edges of the display area 20, in particular if the edges of the display area 20 are dark in color, the reflective layer added on the outer face 24A or on the inner face 24B of the first part 24, can be chosen to be dark in color or of a similar shade to that of the coating element 4.

[0104] Generally, the reflective layer added to the external face 24A or to the internal face 24B of the first part 24 can be chosen so as to match the aesthetics of the external surface 12 of the coating element 4.

[0105] In one embodiment, in particular shown in [Fig.2], the inner face 24B of the or each first part 24 of the semi-reflective blade 14 is inclined with respect to the outer face 24A of the or each first part 24 of the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0106] For example, the inner face 24B of the or each first part 24 is polished, filed and / or cut so as to locally and progressively reduce the thickness of the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0107] This feature improves the quality of the image displayed to the user. Indeed, the differences in thickness of the semi-reflective plate 14, caused by the inclination of the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflective plate 14, combined with the difference in reflectivity between the first part 24 and the second part 26, prevent a blurred and / or doubled reflected image. In fact, the reflection of the image on the outer face 16 of the semi-reflective plate 14 and the reflection of the image on the outer face 24A of the first part 24 after refraction through the thickness of the plate 14 can cause such a blurring or doubled effect.

[0108] The user then perceives a clearer image.

[0109] Alternatively, or in addition, the screen 22 of the image generation unit 6 is equipped with an anti-reflective treatment in order to limit image overlaps and thus improve the visual quality of the image reflected on the display area 20.

[0110] In one embodiment, in particular shown in [Fig.3], the image generation unit 6 includes a second screen 40.

[0111] The first and second screens 22, 40 display images on at least a part of display area 20.

[0112] For example, screen 22 is configured to display specific information for the driver such as vehicle speed, vehicle fuel level, or vehicle light settings.

[0113] The second screen 40 is configured for example to display information related to vehicle control, such as that which is frequently found on a dashboard, for example information on the temperature setting inside the passenger compartment, on the management of the vehicle's multimedia devices, or others.

[0114] In one embodiment, not shown, the second screen 40 is superimposed on the first screen 22, for example located behind the first screen 22 with respect to the display area 20.

[0115] In the variant shown in [Fig.3], the second screen 40 is located next to the screen 22.

[0116] The first and second screens 22, 40 are located opposite the display area 20, and are activated independently, for example simultaneously or successively.

[0117] The second screen 40 has a moderate luminance, for example between 300 cd / m2 and 600 cd / m2.

[0118] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the first part 24 is, for example, a continuous central band extending over the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0119] Alternatively, the first parts 24 form, for example, a discontinuous central band extending over the semi-reflective plate 14, by aligning the first parts 24 along a preferred direction.

[0120] Alternatively, the first part or each part 24 is arranged so as to reflect the areas of the image generation unit 6 emitting the safety pictograms.

[0121] In another variant not shown, the first parts 24 are arranged on peripheral portions of the semi-reflective plate 14 (top, bottom, left, right).

[0122] In an example, not shown, the first part or each part 24 may directly have the form of an icon to be displayed, for example an icon representing the state of the vehicle's lights, or the state of a temperature control device inside the passenger compartment, or other.

[0123] The trim element 1 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0124] Thanks to different levels of reflectivity of the semi-reflective blade 14, the trim element 1 makes it possible to display images clearly visible in the display area 20 while ensuring the visual comfort of the user.

[0125] Furthermore, when the image generation unit 6 is not used, the external surface 12 of the coating element 4, and in particular the external face 16 of the semi-reflective blade, has a particularly satisfactory appearance, this appearance not being altered by the presence of an image generation unit inside the first part 8 of the body 2 opposite the display area 20 requiring a transparent or translucent coating element to be provided between the image generation unit 6 and the display area 20.

[0126] It is understood that the trim element according to the invention may comprise several display areas and several image generation units or an extended display area onto which images from several image generation units are reflected.

[0127] In an embodiment not shown, a space exists between the semi-reflective blade 14 and the coating element 4. In this embodiment, when the image generation unit 6 is not activated, the occupant sees the coating element 4 through the semi-reflective blade 14, at a distance from the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0128] Preferably, the first parts 24 represent a small percentage of the total surface area of ​​the semi-reflective blade 14, in particular represent a percentage less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first part or each part 24 is opaque.

Claims

Demands

1. A vehicle trim element (1) comprising a body (2) and a cladding element (4) extending over at least an area of ​​a first portion (8) of the body (2), said cladding element (4) comprising a semi-reflective blade (14) extending between an outer face (16), forming at least a portion of a visible external surface of the trim element (1), and an inner face (18), opposite the outer face (16), the outer face (16) of the semi-reflective blade (14) defining at least one display area (20), the trim element (1) further comprising at least one image generation unit (6) extending opposite the display area (20) and arranged to display images on said display area (20) when the image generation unit (6) is activated, the images emitted by the unit image generation (6) being reflected onto the display area (20),characterized in that the semi-reflective blade (14) comprises at least a first part (24) extending between an outer face (24A) and an inner face (24B) and having a first reflectivity RI and at least a second part (26) extending between an outer face (26A) and an inner face (26B) and having a second reflectivity R2, the first reflectivity RI being strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2, the outer face (24A, 26A) of the first part (24) and of the second part (26) forming at least a part of the display area (20).

2. Filling element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first reflectivity RI is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

3. Filling element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second reflectivity R2 is between 20% and 40%.

4. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2) comprises a second part (9) extending opposite at least a portion of the first part (8) of the body (2) and spaced away from said first part (8), the image generation unit (6) being integral with said second part (9) opposite the display area (20) of the outer face (16) of the semi-reflective blade (14).

5. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generation unit (6) comprises at less one screen (22) opposite the display area (20) having a luminance of at least 700 cd / m2, the screen (22) displaying images on at least part of the display area (20) when the image generation unit (6) is activated.

6. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mirror (28) is fixed to the inner face (24B) of the first part (24) of the semi-reflective blade (14) and / or a reflective layer is added to the inner face (24B) of the first part (24) of the semi-reflective blade (14) and / or a reflective layer is added to the outer face (24A) of the first part (24) of the semi-reflective blade (14).

7. Trim element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the inner face (24B) of the or each first part (24) of the semi-reflective blade (14) is inclined with respect to the outer face (24A) of the or each first part (24) of the semi-reflective blade (14).

8. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part or each first part (24) represents a percentage of the total area of ​​the semi-reflective blade (14) of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the total area of ​​the semi-reflective blade (14).

9. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part or each first part (24) is arranged on the periphery of the semi-reflective blade (14) or in the form of a central band.

10. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generation unit (6) comprises a first screen (22) opposite the display area (20) having a luminance of at least 700 cd / m2 and a second screen (40) superimposed on the first screen (22), the first and second screens (22, 40) displaying images on at least a portion of the display area (20) when the image generation unit (6) is activated.