FR3152763A1 - Trim element comprising a semi-reflecting blade for reflecting light from an image generating unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Trim element comprising a semi-reflecting blade for reflecting light from an image generation unit The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element (1) comprising a covering element (4) comprising a semi-reflecting blade (14) forming a portion 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 on the display area (20). The semi-reflecting plate (14) comprises a first part (24) having a first reflectivity R1 and a second part (26) having a second reflectivity R2 strictly lower than the first reflectivity R1. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Trim element comprising a semi-reflecting blade for reflecting light from an image generating unit

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 external face, forming at least part of a visible external surface of the trim element, and an internal face, opposite the external face, the external face of the semi-reflecting 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 on the display area .

It is known to provide an image generating unit in a trim element, such as a dashboard, center console, or the like, for displaying images on an external surface of the trim element.

When active, the image generation unit displays, for example, various types of information relating to the operation of the vehicle.

Such an image generation unit is for example arranged on a portion of the trim element extending opposite an external surface of a covering element. The image generation 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 generation unit.

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

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

However, adjusting the reflectivity of the reflective surface can be tricky.

Indeed, a compromise must be found between sufficient reflectivity to visibly display the images projected by the image generation unit to the user and moderate reflectivity so as not to dazzle the user, particularly when natural light is reflected on the reflective surface.

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

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a trim element making it possible to display information in a clearly visible manner for a user via an image generation unit, while guaranteeing the user's visual comfort in all situations.

To this end, the invention relates to a trim element of the aforementioned type in which the semi-reflecting blade comprises at least a first part having a first reflectivity R1 and at least a second part having a second reflectivity R2, the first reflectivity R1 being strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2, the external face of the first part and of the second part forming at least part of the display zone.

Since the first and second parts have distinct levels of reflectivity, it is possible to display images projected by the image generation unit in a sufficiently contrasting manner.

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

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:

- the first reflectivity R1 is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%;

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

- 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 integral with said second part opposite the display area of the external face of the semi-reflecting blade;

- the image generation unit comprises at least one screen facing the display area having a luminance at least greater than 700 cd/m ² , the screen displaying images on at least a portion of the display area when the image generation unit is activated;

- a mirror is fixed on the inner face of the first part of the semi-reflecting plate and/or a reflective layer is added on the inner face of the first part of the semi-reflecting plate and/or a reflective layer is added on the outer face of the first part of the semi-reflecting plate;

- the internal face of the or each first part of the semi-reflecting blade is inclined relative to the external face of the or each first part of the semi-reflecting blade;

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

- the or each first part is arranged on the periphery of the semi-reflecting blade or in the form of a central strip; and

- the image generation unit comprises a first screen facing the display area having a luminance at least greater than 700 cd/m ² and a second screen superimposed on the first screen, the first and second screens displaying images on at least a portion of the display area when the image generation unit is activated.

The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 there FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional representation of a part of a packing element according to the invention,

FIG. 2 there FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional representation of a portion of a packing element according to a first embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 3 there FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a part of a packing element according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In reference to the 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 central console, a door panel or the like.

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.

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.

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

In the example shown in the FIG. 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.

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.

By "internal" we mean that which faces the element of the vehicle's passenger compartment on which the trim element is installed and by "external" we mean that which faces the vehicle's passenger compartment.

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 trim element 4, and an internal face 18, opposite the external face 16.

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.

The semi-reflecting blade 14 is for example integrated into the covering element 4, the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 being flush with the external surface 12 of the covering element 4.

Alternatively, the semi-reflecting blade 14 extends over the covering element 4, the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 being applied to the external surface 12 of the covering element 4.

Thus, the covering element 4 gives its appearance to at least part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

Likewise, the semi-reflective blade 14 gives its appearance to at least part of the first part 8 of the body 2.

At least a portion of the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 defines at least one display area 20 on which images from the image generation unit 6 are reflected.

The image generation unit 6 extends opposite the display area 20.

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 covering element 4 opposite the internal surface 10 of the covering element 4 and the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 do not pass through the covering element 4 and the semi-reflecting plate 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.

In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, the image generation unit 6 is integral with the second part 9 of the body 2 opposite the display zone 20 of the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

Thus, when the packing element 1 is a dashboard and that 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 in cantilever opposite the covering element 4, as shown in theFIG. 1.

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

The image generation 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 images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are directed towards the display area 20 and reflected thereon.

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

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 the FIG. 1 .

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 the normal position of use of the vehicle.

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.

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

When the image generating unit 6 is activated or turned on, the images output by the image generating unit 6 are reflected onto the display area 20.

The orientation of the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 relative to the image generation unit 6 is such that the images emitted by the image generation unit 6 are reflected by the external face 16 towards the eye of an occupant of the vehicle seated opposite the display area 20.

For this purpose, the angle α formed between the external 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°.

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

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

In an exemplary embodiment, the image generation unit 6 comprises at least one screen 22 facing the display area 20.

The screen 22 displays images on at least a portion of the display area 20.

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

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

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.

The screen 22 has, for example, a luminance at least greater than 700 cd/m ² .

In particular, the screen 22 has a luminance greater than 1000 cd/m ² .

Alternatively, only part of the screen has a luminance greater than 700 cd/m ² .

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

Such luminance, associated 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.

The semi-reflecting blade 14 is configured to reflect at least in part the light rays received from the image generation unit 6.

By “configured to reflect” is meant that a light ray 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The semi-reflective blade 14 comprises at least a first part 24 having a first reflectivity R1 and at least a second part 26 having a second reflectivity R2.

The 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-reflecting blade 14, and the internal face 24B forming a part of the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

Likewise, 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-reflecting blade 14, and the internal face 26B forming a part of the internal face 18 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

The external faces 24A, 26A, of the first part 24 and of the second part 26 thus form at least part of the display zone 20.

The or each first part 24 is for example a local zone of the semi-reflecting blade 14, located on the periphery, in the center, or on any part of the semi-reflecting blade 14, as will be explained in more detail later.

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

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.

The first reflectivity R1 is strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2.

For example, the first reflectivity R1 is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

By “greater than 50%” 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 portion 24, and that the remaining percentage of electromagnetic energy is transmitted into and/or through the first portion 24.

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

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

The or each first part 24 improves the contrast of the images reflected on the semi-reflecting blade 14 in order to display information for the user in a sufficiently visible manner, even in broad daylight and in particular for the safety pictograms.

The or each 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-reflecting blade 14 is not excessively reflected towards the user, which would risk dazzling and annoying him.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in the FIG. 2 , a mirror 28 is fixed on the internal face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

The mirror 28 has, for example, a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm.

The mirror 28 is for example glued to the internal face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

The mirror 28 makes it possible to increase the reflectivity of the semi-reflecting blade 14 in the part in which it is located.

The mirror 28 is arranged such that a light ray passing through the semi-reflecting blade 14 and striking against the internal face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 is mainly reflected towards the external face 24A of the first part 24, and thus towards the user's eye.

By “predominantly” 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.

For example, if the semi-reflecting blade 14 has a reflectivity approximately equal to 30% over the entire semi-reflecting blade 14, the or each first part 24 whose internal face 24B is coated with a mirror 28 has an increased reflectivity, for example greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

Alternatively or additionally, a reflective layer is added to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 and/or a reflective layer is added to the outer face 24A of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

The reflective layer is arranged such that a light ray striking the external face 24A of the first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 is mainly reflected towards the user's eye.

By “predominantly” 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 portion 24 on which the reflective layer is added.

For example, if the semi-reflective blade 14 has a reflectivity approximately equal to 30% over the entire semi-reflective blade 14, the or each first part 24 whose external face 24A is coated with a reflective layer has an increased reflectivity, for example greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%.

In an exemplary embodiment, the or each reflective layer added to the inner face 24B of the first part 24 and/or to the outer face 24A of the first part 24 is formed by screen printing using a reflective ink.

In another exemplary embodiment, the or each reflective layer is formed by laminating a metal film.

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 to the external face 24A or to the internal face 24B of the first part 24, may be chosen to be dark in color or of a shade similar to that of the covering element 4.

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 correspond with the aesthetics of the external surface 12 of the covering element 4.

In one embodiment, notably shown in the FIG. 2 , the internal face 24B of the or each first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14 is inclined relative to the external face 24A of the or each first part 24 of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

For example, the internal 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-reflecting blade 14.

This feature makes it possible to improve the quality of the image displayed to the user. Indeed, the differences in thickness of the semi-reflecting plate 14 caused by the inclination of the internal face 24B of the or each first part 24 of the semi-reflecting plate 14, associated with the difference in reflectivity value between the or each first part 24 and the or each second part 26, prevents having a blurred and/or doubled reflected image. Indeed, the reflection of the image on the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting plate 14 and the reflection of the image on the external face 24A of the first part 24 after refraction in the thickness of the plate 14 can cause such a blurring or doubling phenomenon.

The user then sees a clearer image.

Alternatively, or in addition, the screen 22 of the image generation unit 6 is provided with anti-reflection treatment so as to limit image superpositions and thus improve the visual quality of the image reflected on the display area 20.

In one embodiment, notably shown in the FIG. 3 , the image generation unit 6 comprises a second screen 40.

The first and second screens 22, 40 display images on at least a portion of the display area 20.

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

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

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

As a variant shown on the FIG. 3 , the second screen 40 is located next to screen 22.

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

The second screen 40 has a moderate luminance, for example between 300 cd/m ² and 600 cd/m ² .

In the example shown in the FIG. 3 , the first part 24 is for example a continuous central strip extending over the semi-reflecting blade 14.

Alternatively, the first parts 24 form, for example, a discontinuous central strip extending over the semi-reflecting blade 14, by aligning the first parts 24 in a preferred direction.

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

In another variant not shown, the first parts 24 are arranged on peripheral portions of the semi-reflecting blade 14 (top, bottom, left, right).

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

The filling element 1 according to the invention has numerous advantages.

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

Furthermore, when the image generation unit 6 is not used, the external surface 12 of the covering element 4, and in particular the external face 16 of the semi-reflecting plate, 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, making it necessary to provide a transparent or translucent covering element between the image generation unit 6 and the display area 20.

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 on which images from several image generation units are reflected.

In an embodiment not shown, a gap exists between the semi-reflecting blade 14 and the covering element 4. In this embodiment, when the image generating unit 6 is not activated, the occupant sees the covering element 4 through the semi-reflecting blade 14, at a distance from the semi-reflecting blade 14.

Preferably, the first portions 24 represent a small percentage of the total surface area of the semi-reflecting blade 14, in particular represent a percentage of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the total surface area of the semi-reflecting blade 14.

In one embodiment, the or each first portion 24 is opaque.

Claims (10)

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 external face (16), forming at least one part of a visible external surface of the trim element (1), and an internal face (18), opposite the external face (16), the external face (16) of the semi-reflecting 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 image generation unit image (6) being reflected on the display area (20), characterized in that the semi-reflecting blade (14) comprises at least a first part (24) extending between an external face (24A) and an internal face (24B) and having a first reflectivity R1 and at least a second part (26) extending between an external face (26A) and an internal face (26B) and having a second reflectivity R2, the first reflectivity R1 being strictly greater than the second reflectivity R2, the external face (24A, 26A) of the first part (24) and of the second part (26) forming at least a part of the display area (20). Trim element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first reflectivity R1 is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 80%. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second reflectivity R2 is between 20% and 40%. Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the body (2) comprises a second part (9) extending opposite at least one part of the first part (8) of the body (2) and spaced from said first part (8), the image generation unit (6) being integral with said second part (9) opposite the display zone (20) of the external face (16) of the semi-reflecting blade (14). A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generating unit (6) comprises at least one screen (22) facing the display area (20) having a luminance at least greater than 700 cd/m ² , the screen (22) displaying images on at least a portion of the display area (20) when the image generating unit (6) is activated. 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-reflecting blade (14) and/or a reflective layer is added to the inner face (24B) of the first part (24) of the semi-reflecting blade (14) and/or a reflective layer is added to the outer face (24A) of the first part (24) of the semi-reflecting blade (14). Trim element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the internal face (24B) of the or each first part (24) of the semi-reflecting blade (14) is inclined relative to the external face (24A) of the or each first part (24) of the semi-reflecting blade (14). A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each first portion (24) represents a percentage of the total surface area of the semi-reflecting blade (14) of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the total surface area of the semi-reflecting blade (14). Trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each first part (24) is arranged on the periphery of the semi-reflecting blade (14) or in the form of a central strip. A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generation unit (6) comprises a first screen (22) facing the display area (20) having a luminance at least greater than 700 cd/m ² 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.