Trim element comprising an image producing unit displaying a floating image

Abstract

The present invention relates to a trim element (1) of a vehicle, comprising a covering (4) having a semi-reflective plate (14) defining at least one display area (19), a decorative element (20) and a first image producing unit (6) that emits light beams reflected on the display area. The distance (De), measured in the direction of the light beam emitted by the first image producing unit (6) and separating the first image producing unit from the semi-reflective plate (14), is less than the corresponding distance (Dr), measured in the direction, and in the opposite direction, of said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflective plate, separating the semi-reflective plate from the decorative element (20), a virtual image being created between the decorative element and the semi-reflective plate.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Trim element comprising an image production unit displaying a floating image

[0002] 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-reflecting blade extending between an outer face, forming at least part of a visible outer surface of the covering element, and an inner face, opposite the outer face, the outer face of the semi-reflecting blade defining at least one display area, and a decorative element extending opposite the inner face, the trim element further comprising at least one first image production unit extending opposite the outer face and arranged to emit light beams towards the display area when the first image production unit is activated, the light beams emitted by the first image production unit being reflected onto the display area.

[0003] It is known to provide an image producing unit in a trim element, such as a dashboard, center console or the like, in order to display images on an external surface of the trim element.

[0004] When active, the image production unit displays, for example, different types of information relating to the operation of the vehicle.

[0005] Such an image production unit is for example arranged on a portion of the trim element extending opposite an external surface of a covering element. The image production unit is then arranged to emit images towards the external surface of the covering element, the images then being displayed on the external surface of the covering element by reflection of the images from the image production unit.

[0006] The outer surface of the covering element is generally at least partly reflective so as to reflect the images projected by the image production unit towards a user located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0007] 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 producing unit, particularly when the image producing unit is not activated, this appearance being provided by the outer surface of the covering element.

[0008] However, such an arrangement limits the visual experience of the user who can only distinguish images formed on the reflective external surface of the covering element. One of the aims of the invention is then to propose a trim element making it possible to improve the visual experience of a user of a vehicle, in particular by adding new sensory perceptions.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a trim element of the aforementioned type in which the distance, taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit, separating the first image production unit from a point on the semi-reflecting plate is less than the corresponding distance, taken along the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate, separating said point from the decorative element, a virtual image being created in a plane between the decorative element and the semi-reflecting plate.

[0010] The distance, taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit, separating the first image production unit from a point on the semi-reflecting plate being less than the corresponding distance, taken along the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate, separating the same point on the semi-reflecting plate from the decorative element, the virtual image is created in a plane between the decorative element and the semi-reflecting plate, and appears as floating in front of the external surface for the user.

[0011] This gives the user an improved and new sensory experience, making using the vehicle more fun and comfortable.

[0012] 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:

[0013] - the distance, taken according to the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit, separating the first image production unit from a point on the semi-reflecting plate is 20 mm to 50 mm less than the corresponding distance Dr, taken according to the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate, separating this same point on the semi-reflecting plate from the decorative element;

[0014] - the body comprises a second part extending opposite at least a part of the first part of the body and spaced from said first part, the first image production unit being integral with said second part opposite the display area of ​​the semi-reflecting plate;

[0015] - the semi-reflecting blade is made of plastic, for example acrylic polymethyl methacrylate and / or is made of glass; - the coating element and / or the first image production unit comprises one or more light-emitting diodes illuminating at least part of the decorative element located opposite the internal face of the semi-reflecting blade;

[0016] - the first image production unit is inclined at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the display area, preferably equal to 45°;

[0017] - the covering element comprises a second image production unit backlighting the decorative element in order to display luminous areas on the decorative element, the second image production unit being synchronized with the first image production unit so as to create a 3D effect to the image displayed on the display area;

[0018] - the second image production unit comprises a luminescent ink printed on the decorative element and / or a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen displaying images on the decorative element when the second image production unit is activated;

[0019] - the covering element comprises at least one secondary lighting system, for example one or more light-emitting diodes illuminating at least part of the decorative element located opposite the internal face of the semi-reflecting blade;

[0020] - the semi-reflective blade is transparent and has a reflectivity of between 20% and 30%;

[0021] - the decorative element has at least a first zone comprising a first roughness and at least a second zone comprising a second roughness, the first roughness being strictly greater than the second roughness;

[0022] - the or each first zone extends opposite the semi-reflecting blade and the or each second zone extends the or each first zone on one side and / or the other of the or each first zone and / or surrounds the or each first zone;

[0023] - the decorative element has a progressive roughness between the or each first zone and the or each second zone; and

[0024] - the first and / or second roughness of the decorative element is obtained by knitting.

[0025] 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:

[0026] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a packing element according to a first embodiment,

[0027] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a packing element according to a second embodiment, [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a packing element according to a third embodiment and

[0028] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective representation of a trim element in a vehicle.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle trim element 1 is described comprising a body 2, a covering element 4 and a first image production unit 6. Such a trim element forms, for example, a vehicle dashboard, a central console, a door panel or the like.

[0030] The body 2 is arranged to give its general shape and its mechanical characteristics to the trim element 1. The body 2 comprises at least a first part 8 which extends into a visible part of the vehicle passenger compartment by at least one occupant of the vehicle.

[0031] The body 2 comprises for example a second part 9 extending opposite at least one part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

[0032] The second part 9 of the body 2 is spaced from said first part 8.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 1, the trim element 1 is a dashboard and the first part 8 corresponds to a lower part of the body 2 which extends opposite the front 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.

[0034] The covering element 4 extends over at least one area of ​​the first part 8 of the body 2. More particularly, the covering 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.

[0035] By "internal" and "behind" we mean that which faces towards the element of the vehicle's passenger compartment on which the trim element is installed and by "external" and "in front" we mean that which faces towards the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0036] The covering element 4 comprises a semi-reflecting blade 14 extending between an external face 16, forming at least part of the external surface 12 of the covering element 4, and an internal face 18, opposite the external face 16.

[0037] Visible surface means a surface that is visible to vehicle occupants when the trim element 1 is installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0038] The semi-reflecting blade 14 is for example fixed at one, or each, of its ends to the covering element 4 and / or to the second part 9 of the body 2.

[0039] At least a portion of the outer face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 defines at least one display area 19. The first image production unit 6 extends opposite the outer face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 and is arranged to emit light beams towards the display area 19 when the first image production unit 6 is activated.

[0040] The light beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are arranged to represent, for example, a particular pattern, such as an image, or an icon representing certain functionalities of the vehicle, such as adjusting the temperature inside the passenger compartment, managing multimedia, or other.

[0041] The semi-reflecting blade 14 is configured to reflect at least in part the light beams received from the first image production unit 6 onto the display area 19.

[0042] By “configured to reflect” is meant that a light beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is partly reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14 when it strikes the external face 16 and / or the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting plate 14.

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

[0044] In other words, a value taken between 20% and 30% of the electromagnetic energy of an incident light ray having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm, is reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14, and the remaining percentage of electromagnetic energy is transmitted by the semi-reflecting plate 14.

[0045] The semi-reflective blade 14 is at least partly transparent or translucent, so a user located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle sees through the semi-reflective blade 14 when the first image production unit 6 is inactive but also when the first image production unit 6 is active.

[0046] When a light beam emitted by the first image production unit 6 strikes the semi-reflecting plate 14, a first part of the light beam is reflected towards the outside of the covering element 4, i.e. towards the eyes of the user, and a second part is refracted towards the inside of the covering element 4.

[0047] The light beams are reflected towards the user and create a virtual image located on the inner side of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0048] The semi-reflective blade 14 is for example made of a plastic material, for example acrylic polymethyl methacrylate and / or is made of glass.

[0049] The semi-reflecting blade 14 has, for example, a thickness, taken between the external face 16 and the internal face 18, of between 4 and 5 mm, when the semi-reflecting blade 14 is made of plastic and of at least 2 mm, when the semi-reflecting blade 14 is made of glass.

[0050] At least the outer face 16, preferably also the inner face 18, of the semi-reflecting blade 14 is a flat surface.

[0051] By plane is meant that the external face 16, and preferably also the internal face 18, is substantially plane with a maximum deviation of 0.5 mm per 100 mm.

[0052] The covering element 4 further comprises a decorative element 20.

[0053] The decorative element 20 is applied to the first part 8 of the body 2 and extends between the body 2 and the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0054] The decorative element 20 has, for example, an L shape, with a first portion extending substantially horizontally, and a second portion extending substantially vertically when the vehicle is in the normal position of use.

[0055] The decorative element 20 extends opposite the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0056] More particularly, the decorative element 20 extends opposite and at a distance from the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0057] The distance De, taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit 6, separating the first image production unit 6 from a point P of the semi-reflecting plate 14 is less than the corresponding distance Dr, taken along the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14, separating this same point P of the semi-reflecting plate 14 from the decorative element 20.

[0058] In particular, this applies for each light beam emitted by the first image production unit 6 and for all the points P located on the semi-reflecting plate 14 and reflecting a light beam emitted by the first image production unit 6.

[0059] Thus, due to this particular geometry of the covering element 4, the light beams form a virtual image in a plane B between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14, and not on the decorative element 20. This adds a depth effect to the image observed by the user.

[0060] A virtual image being created in the plane B between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14, the user who looks at the images reflected by the semi-reflecting blade 14, observes a floating image, located between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14, that is to say behind the external surface 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the trim element 1 is a dashboard.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance De, taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit 6, separating the first image production unit 6 from a point P of the semi-reflecting plate 14 is 20 mm to 50 mm less than the corresponding distance Dr, taken along the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14, separating this same point P of the semi-reflecting plate 14 from the decorative element 20.

[0062] The choice of the distances De and Dr conditions the location of the plane B for displaying the reflected image between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14.

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

[0064] The decorative element 20 is for example a flexible layer of a natural and / or synthetic material. For example, the decorative element 20 is a textile, leather, imitation leather, or a plastic skin. For example, the decorative element 20 is a skin made of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. In one embodiment, the decorative element is made in light tones and preferably plain, to improve the visibility of the floating image.

[0065] In particular, the decorative element 20 has a permanent, fixed and homogeneous decorative effect. For example, the decorative element 20 is not a screen or an optical element capable of generating an image or light spot.

[0066] The decorative element 20 is further arranged to give its appearance to the covering element 4. This makes it possible to give the trim element 1 a particularly satisfactory appearance both when the first image production unit 6 is activated and when it is not.

[0067] The semi-reflective blade 14 being at least partly transparent or translucent, the decorative element 20 located opposite the internal face 18 of the semi-reflective blade 14 is visible to a user located inside the vehicle and looking through the semi-reflective blade 14.

[0068] The decorative element 20 then serves as a decorative background visible to the user, in front of which the floating images are displayed. This feature improves the sensory perception, in particular visual, of the user when he wishes to display information in the vehicle via the trim element 1.

[0069] According to the invention, the first image production unit 6 extends outside the first part 8 of the body 2. In other words, the first image production unit 6 is not placed "under" the covering element 4 opposite the internal surface 10 of the covering element 4 and the beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 do not pass through the covering element 4 and the semi-reflecting plate 14 as is the case when the first image production unit 6 is placed in the first part 8 of the body 2 in order to backlight the display area 19.

[0070] In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, the first image production unit 6 is integral with the second part 9 of the body 2 opposite the display zone 19 of the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0071] 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 opposite the covering element 4, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] The elevation direction is for example a direction connecting the floor of the vehicle to the roof of the vehicle.

[0073] The first image production unit 6 is mounted in the second part 9 so as to be oriented as desired relative to the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting plate 14 so that the beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are directed towards the display area 19 and reflected thereon.

[0074] The second part 9 of the body 2 is for example arranged so that the first image production unit 6 is not directly visible to the occupants of the vehicle when they are seated opposite the display area 19.

[0075] According to the invention, the beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are visible to an occupant of the vehicle by reflection and / or refraction of these beams on the display area 19 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0076] According to the invention, the light beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are therefore not directly visible to the eye of a user in the normal position of use of the vehicle.

[0077] In particular, the first image production unit 6 can be used to display information on the driving of the vehicle (speed, fuel level, etc.), its geolocation, on the state of certain functions of the vehicle and / or to display audiovisual content; in the display area 19.

[0078] When the first image production unit 6 is activated or switched on, the light beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are reflected and / or refracted onto the display area 19. The orientation of the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 relative to the first image production unit 6 is such that the light beams emitted by the first image production unit 6 are reflected by the external face 16 towards the eye of an occupant of the vehicle seated opposite the display area 19.

[0079] For this purpose, the angle α formed between the external face 16 in the display area 19 and the display surface of the first image production unit 6 is for example between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

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

[0081] When the semi-reflecting blade 14 is at least partially transparent, the user sees the decorative element 20 through the semi-reflecting blade 14, whether the first image production unit 6 is on or off.

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

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

[0084] The screen 30 displays images on at least a portion of the display area 19.

[0085] The screen 30 is for example illuminated by the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the diodes are individually controlled to be switched on or off when the first image production unit 6 is activated.

[0087] The selection of the diodes on or off is for example carried out according to the colors of the images to be displayed and / or the contrast sought in the images.

[0088] According to a particular embodiment, the covering element 4 further comprises a second image production unit 35 backlighting the decorative element 20 in order to display luminous zones on the decorative element 20.

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

[0090] The second image production unit 35 forms, for example, a part of the internal surface 10 of the covering element 4, at least opposite the display area 19. In other words, the second image production unit 35 extends over the first part 8 of the body 2, between the body 2 and the decorative element 20.

[0091] Alternatively, the second image producing unit 35 extends over the inner surface

[0092] 10 of the covering element 4. The second image production unit 35 is arranged to display luminous zones on the decorative element 20 behind the virtual image (in the case of a dashboard in front of the virtual image according to the direction of advance of the vehicle) and / or below the virtual image formed by refraction of the light beams emitted by the first image production unit 6, according to the elevation direction.

[0093] The decorative element 20 being at least partially transparent or translucent, the luminous zones generated by the second image production unit 35 are also visible to a user located in front of the decorative element, in particular in front of the semi-reflecting blade 14, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0094] The second image production unit 35 is synchronized with the first image production unit 6 so as to create a 3D effect to the image displayed on the display area 19.

[0095] By "synchronized" is meant that the second image production unit 35 is connected with the first image production unit 6, on the one hand to be activated when the first image production unit 6 is activated, and on the other hand to display luminous zones linked to the image emitted by the first image production unit 6. By "linked" is meant that characteristics of the image emitted by the first image production unit 6 and reflected on the semi-reflecting plate 14, such as the position, the size, the brightness, the colors of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting plate 14, determine characteristics of the luminous zone(s) displayed on the decorative element 20, such as the position, the size, the brightness, the colors of the luminous zones in order to improve the visibility and / or the contrast and / or the appearance of the virtual image.Of course, other characteristics of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14 can be taken into account for determining the luminous zones displayed by the second image production unit 35.

[0096] Furthermore, the characteristics of the image displayed between the decorative element 20 and the semi-reflecting blade 14 are determined by known parameters, linked on the one hand to the first image production unit 6, and on the other hand to the geometry of the trim element 1. Thus, the determination of the luminous zones displayed on the decorative element 20 by the second image production unit 35 depends exclusively on the parameters of the first image production unit 6 which potentially differ between each image emitted, and on the parameters linked to the geometry of the trim element 1 which are constant and determined beforehand. Consequently, the parameters of the luminous zones displayed on the decorative element are synchronized in real time with the variable parameters of the first image production unit 6.

[0097] For this purpose, the second image production unit 35 comprises for example an electronic control unit, not shown, capable of receiving information from the first image production unit 6 and of activating the second image production unit 35 in a synchronized manner with the first image production unit 6 so as to create a 3D effect in the displayed image.

[0098] By "creating a 3D effect" is meant that the light areas displayed on the decorative element 20 by the second image production unit 35 are advantageously located and formed so as to add a three-dimensional effect to the displayed image, for example a relief effect. For example, the light areas displayed on the decorative element 20 form, but are not limited to, shadows of the image displayed by the first image production unit 6. Thus, the user observes an image reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14 as well as the light areas displayed by the second image production unit 35 on the decorative element 20 that he sees through the semi-reflecting plate 14. These light areas give the illusion of depth and an effect of realism to the displayed image.

[0099] These features, for example combined with the "floating" image impression as described above, significantly improve the user experience, which provides a new visual experience.

[0100] In order to display luminous areas on the decorative element 20, the second image production unit 35 comprises for example a luminescent ink printed on the decorative element 20 and / or a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen displaying images on the decorative element 20 when the second image production unit 35 is activated.

[0101] When the second image production unit 35 comprises a luminescent ink printed on the decorative element 20, it also comprises at least one source of electric current activating at least a portion of the luminescent ink in order to generate one or more luminous zones on the decorative element. The luminous zones displayed on the decorative element are determined as a function of the parameters of the image emitted by the first image production unit 6 and reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14 as explained above.

[0102] In each of the above cases, the second image production unit 35 is synchronized with the first image production unit 6 to give the displayed image the desired 3D effect, as defined above. Depending on the desired visual effects, the second image production unit 35 displays bright areas on the decorative element 20, white and / or colored.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the second image production unit 35 is configured to display animated light zones on the decorative element 20. In other words, the second image production unit 35 is capable of creating a moving image, through, among other things, the choice of the light zones to be displayed, and the duration of display of the light zones. The user then perceives an animated image and his sensory experience is enhanced.

[0104] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the covering element 4 comprises a light diffusing element 38, arranged between the decorative element 20 and the second image production unit 35 diffusing the light generated by the second image production unit 35 towards the decorative element 20.

[0105] The light diffusing element 38 extends over at least a portion of the second imaging unit 35, preferably over the entire second imaging unit 35.

[0106] The light diffuser element 38 makes it possible to relocate the luminous zones on the decorative element, in order on the one hand to obtain a more realistic and more harmonious 3D effect for the displayed image, and on the other hand to avoid the formation of an area of ​​the decorative element 20 that is too luminous which could annoy the user and / or degrade the appearance of the image displayed by the first image production unit 6.

[0107] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 2, the covering element 4 and / or the first image production unit 6 comprises at least one secondary lighting system, for example one or more light-emitting diodes 40 illuminating at least a portion of the decorative element 20 located opposite the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

[0108] The light-emitting diodes 40 are arranged to emit light beams towards the decorative element 20, the emitted light beams passing behind the plane B in which the virtual image is formed, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0109] The light-emitting diodes 40 can also be fixed in front of the plane B in which the virtual image is formed, but the light-emitting diodes 40 are arranged to emit the light beams in a particular direction, in particular one which does not interfere with the plane B in which the virtual image is formed.

[0110] The presence of such light-emitting diodes 40 makes it possible to reduce the contrast of the displayed image, in particular in order to limit “edge effects” and thus improves the user's visual experience. By “edge effects” is meant that the edges of the first image production unit 6, in particular when the first image production unit 6 comprises a screen 30, can be visible on the decorative element 20, because only the emitting part of the first image production unit 6 is reflected on the semi-reflecting plate 14 and thus appears in front of the decorative element 20.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the screen 30 of the first image production unit 6 is provided with an anti-reflection treatment so as to limit the effects of image superpositions and thus improve the visual quality of the image reflected on the display area 19.

[0112] Figure 3 represents a third embodiment of the packing element 1 according to the invention.

[0113] In this embodiment, the decorative element 20 has particular properties.

[0114] As shown in Figure 3, the decorative element 20 has, for example, a variable roughness in the surface of the decorative element 20.

[0115] For example, the decorative element 20 has a greater roughness facing the semi-reflecting blade than the surface of the decorative element 20 not extending facing the semi-reflecting blade.

[0116] The decorative element 20 has, for example, at least a first zone 50 of high roughness. The first zone 50 is, for example, arranged opposite the semi-reflecting plate 14. In other words, the first zone 50 constitutes the background visible to a user who observes an image projected by the first image production unit 6 onto the semi-reflecting plate 14.

[0117] The decorative element 20 has, for example, at least one second zone 52 of low roughness, or even zero roughness. The second zone 52 extends the first zone 50 on one side and / or the other of the first zone 50 or surrounds the first zone 50. For example, the second zone 52 is arranged at least below the semi-reflecting blade 14 in the elevation direction.

[0118] In other words, the first zone 50 comprises a first roughness and the second zone 52 comprises a second roughness, the first roughness being strictly greater than the second roughness.

[0119] The decorative element 20 also comprises one or more transition zones 54 arranged between the first zone 50 and the or each second zone 52. Each transition zone 54 comprises for example a progressive roughness from the first roughness to the second roughness so that the transition between the first and second zones 50, 52 is smooth and progressive so as to provide an aesthetic appearance to the decorative element 20. Such a progressive roughness is for example obtained by a three-dimensional knitted fabric. Such a knitted fabric is made of polyester yarn (recycled or not), polyamide (PA), wool, another fiber or a mixture of fibers.

[0120] Advantageously, such a three-dimensional knit transmits light and allows the decorative element 20 to be effectively backlit.

[0121] The first zone 50 of the decorative element 20 being more textured and being arranged opposite the semi-reflecting blade 14, it makes it possible to accentuate the depth effect conferred on the image viewed by the user.

[0122] The second zone 52 of the decorative element 20 being less textured, or even smooth, it allows the decorative element 20 to better match the curvature of the first part 8 of the body 2 and also facilitates the cleaning of the decorative element 20. In addition, the second zone 52 promotes, for example, the integration of the trim element 1 on the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0123] Such three-dimensional knitting also makes it easier to assemble the 20-piece decor on the support.

[0124] An example of displaying an image with implementation of the 3D effect as described above is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, for greater visibility, the semi-reflective blade 14 is not shown.

[0125] In this particular example, the second image production unit 35 displays bright areas having the appearance of a shadow, behind the image reflected by the semi-reflecting plate 14.

[0126] The user then perceives a floating image, highlighted by the shadows on the decorative element 20 which give it an effect of relief and depth.

[0127] In an embodiment not shown, the virtual image formed by the first image production unit extends at a distance, in an elevation direction of the vehicle, from the decorative element, in order to reinforce the floating effect of the virtual image.

[0128] The packing element 1 according to the invention has numerous advantages.

[0129] Thanks to the particular geometry of the trim element 1, in particular thanks to the distances involved between the first image production unit 6, the semi-reflecting blade 14 and the decorative element 20, the trim element 1 improves the visual experience of the user by allowing the display of a floating virtual image, located between the semi-reflecting blade 14 and the decorative element 20.

[0130] Furthermore, the second image production unit 35 giving a relief effect to the displayed image, the user sees an image in depth, floating in front of the decorative element 20, with a three-dimensional appearance. In addition, when the first image production unit 6 is not used, the external surface 12 of the covering element 4, and in particular the decorative element 20 visible through the semi-reflecting blade 14, has a particularly satisfactory appearance, this appearance not being altered by the presence of an image production unit inside the first part 8 of the body 2 opposite the display area 19.

[0131] It is understood that the trim element according to the invention may comprise several display areas associated with several decorative elements and several image production units or an extended display area on which images from several image production units are reflected.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Vehicle trim element (1) comprising a body (2) and a covering element (4) extending over at least one area of a first part (8) of the body (2), said covering element (4) comprising a semi-reflecting blade (14) extending between an outer face (16), forming at least one part of a visible outer surface (12) of the covering element (4), and an inner face (18), opposite the outer face (16), the outer face (16) of the semi-reflecting blade (14) defining at least one display area (19), and a decorative element (20) extending opposite the inner face (18), the trim element (1) further comprising at least one first image production unit (6) extending opposite the outer face (16) and arranged to emit light beams towards the area display (19) when the first image production unit (6) is activated,the light beams emitted by the first image production unit (6) being reflected on the display area (19), characterized in that the distance (De), taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit (6), separating the first image production unit (6) from a point (P) of the semi-reflecting plate (14) is less than the corresponding distance (Dr), taken along the direction and in the opposite direction to said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate (14), separating said point (P) from the decorative element (20), a virtual image being created in a plane (B) between the decorative element (20) and the semi-reflecting plate (14)., 2. Trim element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (De), taken along the direction of each distinct light beam emitted by the first image production unit (6), separating the first image production unit (6) from a point (P) of the semi-reflecting plate (14) is 20 mm to 50 mm less than the corresponding distance (Dr), taken along the direction and in the opposite direction of said corresponding light beam reflected by the semi-reflecting plate (14), separating this same point (P) of the semi-reflecting plate (14) from the decorative element (20).

3. Trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (2) comprises a second part (9) extending opposite at least a part of the first part (8) of the body (2) and spaced from said first part (8), the first image production unit (6) being integral with said second part (9) opposite the display area (19) of the semi-reflecting blade (14).

4. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the semi-reflective blade (14) is made of plastic, for example polymethyl methacrylate acrylic and / or is made of glass.

5. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the covering element (4) and / or the first image production unit (6) comprises one or more light-emitting diodes (40) illuminating at least a portion of the decorative element (20) located opposite the internal face (18) of the semi-reflecting blade (14).

6. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first image production unit (6) is inclined at an angle (a) of between 30° and 60° relative to the display area (19), preferably equal to 45°.

7. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering element (4) comprises a second image production unit (35) backlighting the decorative element (20) in order to display luminous areas on the decorative element (20), the second image production unit (35) being synchronized with the first image production unit (6) so as to create a 3D effect to the image displayed on the display area (19).

8. A trim element (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second image producing unit (35) comprises a luminescent ink printed on the decorative element (20) and / or a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or a projector and / or a screen displaying images on the decorative element (20) when the second image producing unit (35) is activated.

9. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the covering element (4) comprises at least one secondary lighting system, for example one or more light-emitting diodes (40) illuminating at least a part of the decorative element (20) located opposite the internal face (18) of the semi-reflecting blade (14).

10. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the semi-reflective blade (14) is transparent and has a reflectivity of between 20% and 30%.

11. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the decorative element (20) has at least one first zone (50) comprising a first roughness and at least one second zone (52) comprising a second roughness, the first roughness being strictly greater than the second roughness.

12. Trim element (1) according to claim 11, in which the or each first zone (50) extends opposite the semi-reflecting blade (14) and the or each second zone (52) extends the or each first zone (50) on one side and / or the other of the or each first zone (50) and / or surrounds the or each first zone (50).

13. Trim element (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the decorative element (20) has a progressive roughness between the or each first zone (50) and the or each second zone (52).

14. Trim element (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first and / or second roughness of the decorative element (20) is obtained by knitting.

Images