Trim element comprising a retractable transparent screen

Abstract

Trim element comprising a retractable transparent screen The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element (10) comprising a body (15), a first image generating device (20) comprising a first display surface (22) extending outside the body (15), and a second image generating device (25) comprising a second display surface (27), the second image generating device (25) being arranged in the trajectory (T) for emitting images from the first image generating device (20). The second image generating device (25) is movable between a retracted position, in which the second display surface (27) extends into the body (15), and a deployed position, in which a portion of the second display surface (27) extends outside the body (15). Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Trim element comprising a retractable transparent screen

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element of the type comprising a body, a first image generating device comprising at least one first display surface extending outside the body, the first image generating device being capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle along an image emission trajectory, and a second image generating device comprising at least one second display surface, the second image generating device being capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle, the second image generating device being arranged in the emission trajectory of the first image generating device.

[0002] Passenger transport vehicles offer users a large number of functionalities for modifying certain parameters linked to the vehicle, such as internal climatic conditions, lighting inside the vehicle, or even the management of multimedia parameters.

[0003] However, the increase in the number of these functionalities leads to an increase in the cognitive load for the user, in particular for the driver of the vehicle, who must, in addition to monitoring the driving of the vehicle, take care of the management of these functionalities. In addition, the increase in the number of these functionalities potentially leads to an increase in the size of the vehicle. This can degrade the experience of using the vehicle.

[0004] When driving, the user can thus be easily and frequently distracted, which increases his fatigue and reduces his concentration.

[0005] One of the aims of the invention is then to propose a trim element making it possible to minimize the bulk of the vehicle as well as the distractions of the vehicle's passengers.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a trim element in which the second image generating device is movable between a retracted position, in which the second display surface extends into the body away from the first display surface, and at least one deployed position, in which at least a portion of the second display surface extends at least partly outside the body away from at least a portion of the first display surface in the emission direction.

[0007] The second image generating device being movable between a position retracted, and a deployed position, the user can choose to use the second image generating device only when needed, for example to display non-essential information, thereby reducing distractions from display surfaces in the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, since the second image generating device extends into the body in the retracted position, the space requirement due to the screens in the vehicle, when the display element is not in use, is limited.

[0009] Vehicle occupants then benefit from an improved experience.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the filling element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0011] - the second image generating device is movable in a plurality of deployed positions, in which at least a portion of the second display surface is visible to the user, the visible portion of the second display surface being different in each deployed position;

[0012] - the second image generating device is at least partly translucent and / or transparent;

[0013] - the movement of the second image generating device is a translation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission trajectory T;

[0014] - the second image generating device comprises a de placement configured to move the second image generating device from the retracted position to the or each deployed position and / or from the or each deployed position to the retracted position, the moving device comprising a slider for effecting the movement of the second image generating device between the retracted position and the or each deployed position;

[0015] - the displacement device extends inside the body;

[0016] - the trim element comprises an electronic control unit configured to display at least one first information on the or each first display surface and / or at least one second information on the or each second display surface;

[0017] - the electronic control unit is configured to simultaneously display at at least the same information on both the or each first display surface and the or each second display surface;

[0018] - the trim element comprises an electric motor configured to move the second image generating device between the retracted position and the or each deployed position;

[0019] - the second image generating device forms at least part of a head-up display device of a vehicle.

[0020] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a packing element according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the second image generating device being in a retracted position,

[0023] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the second image generating device being in an intermediate deployed position, and

[0024] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the second image generating device being in a fully deployed position.

[0025] [Fig.l] represents a packing element 10.

[0026] In all that follows the terms “front” and “rear” are used in relation to a rear-front direction D of the vehicle, that is to say the direction which goes from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0027] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the trim element 10 is intended to dress and / or form a part of a dashboard 12 of the vehicle.

[0028] It is understood that such a trim element 10 can cover or form any part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, such as a dashboard, a door panel, a steering wheel, a central console, an armrest, etc., for example by adapting the geometry of the interior trim accordingly.

[0029] It is also understood that a vehicle may comprise several trim elements 10 according to the invention, for example to form and / or cover several regions of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0030] The trim element 10 comprises a body 15. The body 15 is for example formed from coated plastic material and comprises at least one external surface 17 visible from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle by the occupants of the vehicle.

[0031] The external surface 17 gives its appearance to the trim element 10, obtained by coating the body. It has an appearance, for example, grained, smoked, made of a woven or non-woven textile, colored or colorless, or other.

[0032] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the trim element 10 comprises a first image generating device 20 comprising at least one first display surface 22 extending outside the body 15.

[0033] In the example of Figures 2 to 4, the first image generating device 20 extends over a plane containing a direction substantially parallel to a direction elevation of the vehicle, corresponding for example to a ground-ceiling direction of the vehicle, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the rear-front direction D and to the elevation direction. The transverse direction corresponds for example to the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0034] The first image generation device 20 is for example a screen intended to display on the first display surface 22 any kind of information for example related to the operation of the vehicle, to the environment outside the vehicle (weather, traffic information, etc.), or others. The first image generation device 20 has a thickness for example between 1.2 mm and 6 mm, measured in the rear-front direction D, and is for example made up of a plurality of light-emitting diodes or is a liquid crystal screen. The first image generation device 20 is for example transparent or semi-transparent up to 70% so as not to prevent the driver from seeing the outside environment through the first image generation device 20.

[0035] The first image generation device 20 is capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle, according to an image emission trajectory T. The emission trajectory T is for example parallel to a front-rear direction of the vehicle and going from the front of the vehicle towards the rear, and corresponds to the direction given to a light beam of wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm emitted by the first image generation device 20.

[0036] Thus, the information displayed by the first image generation device 20 on the first display surface 20 and projected towards the rear of the vehicle is visible to an occupant of the vehicle, seated behind the first image generation device 20 in the rear-front direction D.

[0037] The first image generation device 20 is for example located at a height substantially equal to the height at which the eyes of the driver of the vehicle are located. Thus, the driver can view the information displayed by the first image generation device 20 on the first display surface 20 while keeping his head raised towards the road.

[0038] Furthermore, the trim element 10 comprises a second image generating device 25 comprising at least one second display surface 27.

[0039] The second image generation device 25 is for example a screen intended to display on the second display surface 27 all kinds of information for example related to the operation of the vehicle, to the environment outside the vehicle (weather, traffic information, etc.), or others. The second image generation device 25 has a thickness for example between 1.2 mm and 6 mm, measured in the rear-front direction D, and is for example made up of a plurality of light-emitting diodes or is a liquid crystal screen. ... image generation device 25 is for example transparent or semi-transparent up to 70% so as not to prevent the driver from seeing the external environment through the second image generation device 25.

[0040] The second image generation device 25 is capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle, according to a second image emission trajectory. In the embodiment shown, the second emission trajectory is substantially parallel to the emission trajectory T of the images projected by the first image generation device 20. Thus, in what follows, the term “emission trajectory T” is used to refer indiscriminately to the emission trajectory of the light beams from the first image generation device 20 or the light beams from the second image generation device 25.

[0041] Thus, the information displayed by the second image generating device 25 on the second display surface 27 and projected towards the rear of the vehicle is visible to an occupant of the vehicle seated behind the second image generating device 25 in the rear-front direction D.

[0042] The second image generation device 25 is for example intended to form a part of a head-up display device of the vehicle.

[0043] The term "head-up display device" means a display device forming part of the driving assistance systems and allowing the occupants of the vehicle, in particular the driver, to keep their head raised and their gaze fixed on the road, while having access to various information on the display device in real time, in particular without having to look down to see this information.

[0044] According to this example, the second image generation device 25 is located at a height substantially equal to the height at which the eyes of the driver of the vehicle are located. Thus, the driver can view the information displayed by the second image generation device 25 on the second display surface 27 while keeping his head raised towards the road.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the second image generating device 25 is arranged in the emission trajectory T of the first image generating device 20, that is to say in front of the first image generating device 20 from the point of view of an observer seated behind the first image generating device 20 in the rear-front direction D. In other words, the second image generating device 25 is arranged between the first image generating device 20 and the observer.

[0046] That is to say that an occupant of the vehicle distinguishes in the foreground the second display surface 27, then behind the second display surface 27, according to the emission trajectory T, the occupant distinguishes the first display surface 22.

[0047] For this purpose, the second image generation device 25 is for example at less partly translucent and / or transparent, so that the first display surface 22 is visible through the second display surface 27 for an occupant of the vehicle seated behind the trim element 10 in the rear-front direction D of the vehicle.

[0048] Thus, the light beams emitted by the first image generation device 20 are visible to an occupant of the vehicle through the second display surface 27 when he is in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, for example in the driver's seat. The occupant of the vehicle then sees two display surfaces, observing the information from one through the other. As will be described in more detail later, it is then possible to create a depth effect to the displayed images, for example by distributing the graphical interface over one and the other of the rear display surfaces 27 and front display surfaces 22, or to display essential information in the foreground and secondary information in the background.

[0049] According to the invention, the second image generating device 25 is movable between a retracted position, shown in [Fig. 2], in which the second display surface 27 extends into the body 15 away from the first display surface 22, and at least one deployed position, shown for example in [Fig. 4], in which at least a portion of the second display surface 27 extends at least partly outside the body 15 away from at least a portion of the first display surface 22 along the emission trajectory T.

[0050] By “remote”, it is meant that at least a portion of the second display surface 27 extends at least partly outside the body 15 opposite at least a portion of the first display surface 22 along the emission trajectory T.

[0051] In other words, in the deployed position, at least a portion of the second display surface 27 extends at least partly opposite at least a portion of the first display surface 22 along the emission trajectory T, so that at least a portion of the image displayed on the second display surface 27 is superimposed with at least a portion of the image displayed on the first display surface 22.

[0052] Therefore, in the retracted position, the second image generating device 25 is masked by the body 15 of the trim element 10 and is not visible to an occupant of the vehicle. This limits the distraction of the occupant who can then, for example, concentrate on the road, or on driving. In this case, the light beams emitted by the first image generating device 20 directly reach the occupants of the vehicle without passing through the second image generating device 25.

[0053] In the deployed position, as shown in [Fig. 4], the second image generating device 25 extends for example away and substantially parallel to the first image generation device 20, according to the rear-front direction D of the vehicle, or according to the transmission trajectory T.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the second image generation device 25 is movable in a plurality of deployed positions, in which at least a portion of the second display surface 27 is visible to an occupant of the vehicle, the visible portion of the second display surface 27 being different in each deployed position.

[0055] In other words, the second image generating device 25 moves from the retracted position to a fully extended position, shown in [Fig. 4], through a plurality of intermediate extended positions, one of which is shown in [Fig. 3], in which an increasing portion of the second display surface 27 is visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

[0056] According to one embodiment, in the fully deployed position, all of the light beams emitted by the first image generating device 20 pass through the second image generating device 25 before reaching the occupants of the vehicle, while a greater or lesser portion of the light beams emitted by the first image generating device 20 directly reach the occupants of the vehicle without passing through the second image generating device 25 in the intermediate deployed positions.

[0057] Depending on the level of information that the user wishes to display in addition to and / or in complement to the information displayed by the first image generation device 20 on the first display surface 22, the user can then choose to deploy the second image generation device 25 in order to make a greater or lesser portion of the second display surface 27 visible. Consequently, a greater or lesser amount of information can be displayed on the second display surface 27, in line with the user's needs.

[0058] Furthermore, when the second image generating device 25 is deployed, two display levels are obtained (first display surface 22 and second display surface 27). This makes it possible to obtain a depth effect and offers the possibility of having different levels of information, displayed on surfaces more or less close to an occupant of the vehicle.

[0059] For example, primary driving information may be displayed on the second display surface 27, i.e. in the foreground for an occupant of the vehicle, and secondary information may be displayed on the first display surface 22, i.e. in the background for an occupant of the vehicle.

[0060] For this purpose, the trim element 10 comprises for example an electronic control unit, not shown, configured to display at least a first piece of information on the first display surface 22 and / or at least a second piece of information on the first display surface 22. training on the second display surface 27, the first information being different from the second information.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to simultaneously display at least one same item of information on both the first display surface 22 and the second display surface 27.

[0062] Thus, the graphical interface can for example be distributed between the first image generation device 20 and the second image generation device 25. This makes it possible to create a new and pleasant visual aspect for the user.

[0063] The movement of the second image generating device 25 between the retracted position and each deployed position will now be described in more detail.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the movement of the second image generation device 25 between the retracted position and each deployed position is a translation and is carried out in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission trajectory T, and more particularly is carried out in the elevation direction, as defined above.

[0065] For this purpose, the second image generation device 25 comprises for example a movement device 30 configured to move the second image generation device 25 from the retracted position to the or each deployed position and / or from the or each deployed position to the retracted position.

[0066] In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the displacement device 30 extends inside the body 15. Thus, the appearance of the trim element 10 is not degraded by the presence of the displacement device 30 and the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle is not cluttered.

[0067] The movement device 30 comprises for example a slide 35 for moving the second image generation device 25 between the retracted position and each deployed position.

[0068] The slide 35 extends for example along a direction substantially parallel to the elevation direction of the vehicle, in particular substantially perpendicular to the transmission trajectory T. It authorizes and makes it possible to guide the translation of the second image generation device 25.

[0069] The movement device 30 further comprises an actuator, not shown, such as an electric motor for example, capable of actuating the movement of the second image generation device 25 along the slide 35 and of causing the successive translational movement of the second image generation device 25 from the retracted position to a deployed position.

[0070] During deployment, the second image generating device 25 moves from the retracted position, in which the second image generating device 25 is retracted into the body 15 of the trim element 10, to the deployed position, in in which the second image generating device 25 is at least partially removed from the body 15 of the packing element 10, through an opening 40.

[0071] The opening 40 is for example arranged in the external surface 17 of the trim element 10, and makes it possible to store the second image generating device 25 in the trim element 10 in the retracted position, in order to declutter the passenger compartment of the vehicle and reduce the distractions caused by the display surfaces of the vehicle.

[0072] In order to cause the second image generating device 25 to move from the retracted position to each deployed position, for example in order to display on the second display surface 27 additional information relating to the state of the vehicle, driving, or any other type of information, an actuating mechanism, not shown, may be provided on the central console of the vehicle. The actuating mechanism is for example connected to the actuator in order to cause the deployment, or the retraction of the second image generating device 25.

[0073] The actuation mechanism comprises for example one or more button(s) for controlling the deployment of the second image generation device 25. Each button is for example physical and comprises for example a mobile element that can be moved manually by the user and a sensor for moving the mobile element. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism may comprise a touch interface extending over the central console of the vehicle, and intended for interaction with an occupant of the vehicle in order to control the deployment of the second image generation device 25. The occupant of the vehicle can then choose whether or not to activate the deployment of the second image generation device 25 depending on the configuration of the vehicle, and / or the level of information that he needs.

[0074] Alternatively, or in addition, the actuation mechanism is automatic, the actuation of the deployment and / or withdrawal of the second image generation device 25 being triggered by the vehicle electronics, for example as a function of certain pre-programmed display configurations.

[0075] The actuating mechanism is for example connected to the electronic control unit so that the latter only displays information on the second display surface 27 when the second image generation device 25 is in a deployed position.

[0076] In other words, when the second image generating device 25 is in the retracted position, it is deactivated and the electronic control unit does not display information on the second display surface 27. This makes it possible to save energy.

[0077] In a variant, the first image generation device 20 and / or the second image generation device 25 comprises a touch interface, not shown, forming at least a portion of the front display 22 and rear display 27 surfaces. For this purpose, said portions of the front display 22 and rear display 27 surfaces comprise, for example, capacitive, resistive, or piezoelectric sensors in order to give the touch interface interactive properties with the occupants of the vehicle. In other words, by pressing on the touch interface with his finger for example, the occupant of the vehicle can control certain functionalities of the vehicle, such as, for example, thermal control inside the vehicle, management of the vehicle's multimedia, etc.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment, the first image generation device 20 is fixed on the trim element 10, i.e. immobile relative to the body 15 of the trim element 10.

[0079] As a variant, not shown, the first image generation device 20 is fixed at least in the elevation direction but movable with the second image generation device 25 in the transverse direction of the vehicle in order to modify the position of the assembly of the two image generation devices 20, 25 between the driver and the front passenger of the vehicle. The assembly of the two image generation devices 20, 25 is then for example configurable between a position adapted for the driver, and a position adapted for the front passenger. By "adapted" is meant that the emission trajectory T is adapted to direct the light beams emitted by the first image generation device 20 and / or by the second image generation device 25, towards the eyes of the driver, or of the front passenger.

[0080] The filling element 10 according to the invention has numerous advantages.

[0081] The second image generating device 25 being movable between a position retracted and deployed positions, the user can choose to use the second image generating device 25 only when needed, for example to display information not essential for normal driving.

[0082] This feature makes it possible to reduce the power consumed by the power supply of the second image generating device 25 and the distractions due to the display surfaces in the vehicle.

[0083] Furthermore, the translation of the second image generation device 25 relative to the body 15 of the trim element 10 in order to retract the second display surface 27 makes it possible to store the second image generation device 25 in order to limit the size of the vehicle when the second image generation device 25 is not in use. The configuration of the passenger compartment is then optimized.

[0084] Furthermore, thanks to the relative arrangements of the second image generating device 25 and the first image generating device 20, a depth effect can be imparted to the images displayed on the second display surface 27, adding a three-dimensional aspect to the displayed image.

[0085] Furthermore, different levels of information are displayed on the rear display surfaces 27 and front display surfaces 22 depending on the importance of said information to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0086] Furthermore, when the second image generating device 25 is deactivated, only the external surface 17, having a particularly satisfactory appearance, and the first image generating device 20 are visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

[0087] It is understood that the trim element according to the invention may comprise several second image generation devices associated with a first image generation device or several first and second display surfaces on which images from several first and second image generation devices are displayed.

Claims

Claims

1. A vehicle trim element (10) comprising a body (15), a first image generating device (20) comprising at least one first display surface (22) extending outside the body (15), the first image generating device (20) being capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle along an image emission trajectory (T), and a second image generating device (25) comprising at least one second display surface (27), the second image generating device (25) being capable of generating and displaying images towards the rear of the vehicle, the second image generating device (25) being arranged in the emission trajectory (T) of the first image generating device (20), characterized in that the second image generating device (25) is movable between a retracted position,wherein the second display surface (27) extends into the body (15) away from the first display surface (22), and at least one deployed position, wherein at least a portion of the second display surface (27) extends at least partly outside the body (15) away from at least a portion of the first display surface (22) in the emission direction (T).,

2. The trim element (10) of claim 1, wherein the second image generating device (25) is movable into a plurality of deployed positions, in which at least a portion of the second display surface (27) is visible to the user, the visible portion of the second display surface (27) being different in each deployed position.

3. A trim element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second image generating device (25) is at least partly translucent and / or transparent.

4. A packing element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the second image generating device (25) is a translation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission trajectory T.

5. A packing element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second image generating device (25) comprises a moving device (30) configured to move the second image generating device (25) from the retracted position to the or each deployed position and / or from the or each deployed position to the retracted position, the moving device (30) comprising a slide (35) for effecting the movement of the second image generating device (25) between the retracted position and the or each deployed position.

6. A packing element (10) according to claim 5, wherein the displacement device (30) extends inside the body (15).

7. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trim element (10) comprises an electronic control unit configured to display at least one first item of information on the or each first display surface (22) and / or at least one second item of information on the or each second display surface (27).

8. A trim element (10) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to simultaneously display at least one same item of information on both the or each first display surface (22) and the or each second display surface (27).

9. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trim element (10) comprises an electric motor configured to move the second image generating device (25) between the retracted position and the or each deployed position.

10. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second image generating device (25) forms at least part of a head-up display device of a vehicle.

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