FR3161155A1 - Trim element comprising a movable screen and/or a movable display surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Trim element comprising a movable screen and/or a movable display surface The invention relates to a vehicle trim element (1) comprising a body (2) and a display surface (12) extending over at least one area of a first part (4) of the body (2), the trim element (1) further comprising at least one image generation unit (17, 18, 19) arranged to display images on the display surface (12) when the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) is activated, the images emitted by the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) being reflected on the display surface (12) so as to generate a virtual image in the background of the display surface (12). At least one of the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) and the display surface (12) is movable along a transverse axis (T). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Trim element comprising a movable screen and/or a movable display surface

The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element of the type comprising a body and at least one display surface extending over at least a zone of a first part of the body, the display surface extending between an external surface, forming at least a portion of a visible external surface of the trim element, and an internal surface, opposite the external surface, the display surface being a semi-reflective blade, the trim element further comprising at least one image generation unit arranged to display images on the display surface when the image generation unit is activated, the images emitted by the image generation unit being reflected onto the display surface so as to generate a virtual image in the background of the display surface, the body comprising a second part extending opposite and away from at least a portion of the first part of the body in an elevation direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis, the second part extending between an internal surface and an external surface opposite to the internal surface in the direction of elevation, the image generation unit being mounted on said second part of the body.

Passenger vehicles today offer occupants access to a wide range of information related to the vehicle itself (fuel level, status of lights, etc.) or to the external environment (weather, risk of black ice, air pollution, etc.). Furthermore, an increasing number of distractions, such as audiovisual content, are offered to vehicle occupants, particularly non-driving passengers.

It is now common knowledge to have one or more image generation units configured to generate and project content onto a display surface, which then reflects that content towards the eyes of the vehicle's occupants. Typically, the displayed information and content are visible to all vehicle occupants.

For example, it is possible to define three content display zones on the display surface: a driver's side zone, a central zone, and a passenger's side zone, each zone displaying content dedicated to the observer in front of it.

Generally, a simple solution to implement is to use a single display surface covering the three display areas mentioned above and to use an image generation unit also covering the three display areas or several image generation units, each covering a separate display area.

However, these solutions are not entirely satisfactory.

Indeed, in the case where a single display surface covers the three display areas, material costs are incurred to create a display surface with a width comparable to that of the three display areas combined.

When one or more image generation units are used to simultaneously cover the three display areas, the available space is reduced and the overall size of the trim element is increased. Furthermore, during operation, each image generation unit generates heat, which contributes to raising the temperature inside the trim element and potentially the vehicle's passenger compartment.

Moreover, in each of the above cases, each display area is difficult to isolate according to the specific needs of each occupant of the vehicle.

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to offer a vehicle trim element that provides localized and dedicated informational and/or entertainment content to a particular occupant of the vehicle.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a trim element, at least one of which is part of the image generation unit, and the display surface is movable along a transverse axis.

Since the image generation unit and the display surface are mobile relative to each other along a transverse axis, it is possible to place the image generation unit and the display surface opposite each other by moving the image generation unit or the display surface along the transverse axis in order to offer specific content dedicated to a particular occupant of the vehicle, located opposite the content displayed on the display surface.

Furthermore, since the image generation unit and the display surface are movable relative to each other, it is possible to design one of the image generation unit and the display surface to be narrower than the other, while still allowing them to be positioned opposite each other. This reduces the overall size of the trim element and the material costs of the trim element.

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 trim element includes a system for moving the image generation unit and/or the display surface, the movement system being integral with the second part of the body;

- the movement system includes at least one rail extending along the transverse axis, the rail being integrated into the second part and guiding the image generation unit in movement along the transverse axis and/or the rail being fixed on the internal surface of the second part and guiding the movement of the display surface along the transverse axis;

- the image generation unit and/or the display surface has a width, taken along the transverse axis, strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis, of the second part of the body;

- the image generation unit is mobile relative to the display surface along the transverse axis;

- the trim element includes an opaque element positioned and fixed on either side of the image generation unit along the transverse axis, the opaque element moving and/or deforming when the image generation unit moves along the transverse axis;

- the opaque element obscures the movement system from outside the trim element;

- the display surface is mobile relative to the image generation unit along the transverse axis;

- the trim element comprises a plurality of image generation units; and

- the display surface and the image generation unit are mobile in translation along the transverse axis, the displacement along the transverse axis of the display surface being synchronized with the displacement along the transverse axis of the image generation unit.

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

FIG. 1 there FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a trim element according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which a display surface is movable along a transverse axis and is in a first position,

FIG. 2 there FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the trim element of the FIG. 1 the display surface being in a second position, and

FIG. 3 there FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a trim element according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which an image generation unit is movable along the transverse axis.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, a vehicle trim element 1 is described according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Such a trim element 1 forms, for example, a vehicle dashboard, a center console, a door panel, or other.

The trim element 1 comprises a body 2 arranged to give the trim element 1 its general shape and mechanical characteristics. The body 2 comprises at least a first part 4 which extends into a part of the vehicle's interior visible to at least one occupant of the vehicle. The first part 4 extends between an internal surface 5 and an external surface 6 opposite the internal surface 5 in an elevation direction Z.

The elevation direction Z corresponds, for example, to the floor-to-ceiling direction of the vehicle, i.e., to the height of the vehicle.

The body 2 includes a second part 8 extending opposite and away from at least a part of the first part 4 of the body 2 in the elevation direction Z. The second part 8 extends between an internal surface 9 and an external surface 10 opposite the internal surface 9 in the elevation direction Z.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2, the trim element 1 is a dashboard and the first part 4 corresponds to a lower part of the body 2 which extends in front of the occupants of the front 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 trim element 1 includes at least one display surface 12 extending over at least one area of the first part 4 of the body 2.

The display surface 12 extends for example between the internal surface 9 of the second part 8 of the body and the external surface 6 of the first part 4 of the body 2, in a direction inclined with respect to the elevation direction Z.

The display surface 12 extends between an external surface 13, forming at least part of a visible external surface of the trim element 1, and an internal surface 14, opposite the external surface 13.

The trim element 1 further includes at least one image generation unit arranged to display images on the display surface 12 when the image generation unit is activated, the images emitted by the image generation unit being reflected onto the display surface 12.

The display surface 12 is a semi-reflective blade configured to reflect images projected by the image generation unit, so as to generate a virtual image in the background of the blade.

By "configured to reflect" we mean that a light beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is partially reflected by the semi-reflective blade when it strikes the external surface 13 and/or the internal surface 14 of the display surface 12.

The semi-reflective blade is at least partially transparent.

Thus, particularly when the image generation unit is inactive, the external surface 6 of the first part 4 of the body 2 is visible to a user inside the vehicle's passenger compartment through the display surface 12.

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

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the trim element 1 comprises three image generation units 17, 18, 19 mounted on the second part 8 of the body 2. For example, each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is a screen illuminated by a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

In this embodiment, each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is for example integrated into the second part 8 of the body 2, or is for example assembled on the internal surface 9 of the second part 8 of the body 2, so as to project images towards the external surface 6 of the first part 4 of the body 2.

Each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is configured to generate and project content onto a particular display area 21, 22, 23 of the display surface 12, when activated.

In particular, each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 can be used to display information on vehicle driving (speed, energy gauge, safety pictogram, etc.), its geolocation, the status of certain vehicle functions and/or to display audiovisual content; on the display surface 12.

For example, the first image generation unit 17 is configured to project informative content onto a conductive area 21 of the display surface 12 as shown on the FIG. 1 . A driver of the vehicle is, for example, located in the driver zone 21 when he is seated in the driver's seat.

For example, the second image generation unit 18 is configured to project informative and/or distracting content onto a central area 22 of the display surface 12. The central area 22 is located between the driver and the passenger of the vehicle, according to the width of the vehicle, and is visually accessible by each of the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

For example, the third image generation unit 19 is configured to project distracting content onto a transient area 23 of the display surface 12 as shown on the FIG. 2 . A passenger in the vehicle is located, for example, opposite passenger zone 23 when seated in the passenger seat.

According to the invention, the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 and the display surface 12 are movable relative to each other along a transverse axis T.

In other words, at least one of the display surface 12 and the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is movable relative to the other along the transverse axis T, the other of one of the display surface 12 and the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 being fixed or movable as well.

The transverse axis T is for example perpendicular to the elevation direction Z and corresponds for example to the width of the vehicle, i.e. to the left-right direction of the vehicle.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 1 and 2, the display surface 12 is movable relative to each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 along the transverse axis T.

In particular, in this example, the three image generation units 17, 18, 19 are fixed in the second part 8 of the body 2 and the display surface 12 is mobile relative to each of the image generation units 17, 18, 19 along the transverse axis T.

For example, the display surface 12 has a width, taken along the transverse axis T, strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis T, of the second part 8 of the body 12. In particular, the display surface 12 has a width, taken along the transverse axis T, strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis T, of the three image generation units 17, 18, 19 combined.

For example, the display area 12 has a width equal to the width of one or two image generation units 17, 18 combined.

When the width of the display surface 12 is equal to the width of an image generation unit 17, the display surface 12 is movable in at least three positions, with the display surface 12 facing an image generation unit in each of the three positions. Thus, only the content generated and projected by the corresponding image generation unit (with the display surface 12 facing it) is displayed on the display surface 12.

When the width of the display surface 12 is equal to the combined width of two image generation units 17, 18, the display surface 12 is movable in at least two positions, with the display surface 12 being opposite at least one image generation unit in each of the two positions. For example, the display surface 12 is opposite at least the second image generation unit 18 in each of the two positions, and the content generated and projected by the second image generation unit 18 is always displayed on the display surface 12, regardless of the position of the display surface 12.

Thus, the display surface 12 is mobile from one end to the other, along the transverse axis T, of the second part 8 of the body 2 in order to move successively in relation to the respective image generation units 17, 18, 19.

There FIG. 1 shows the display surface 12 in a first position, located opposite the first image generation unit 17.

There FIG. 2 shows the display surface 12 in a second position, located opposite the third image generation unit 19.

It is understood that the display surface 12 is movable to all intermediate positions between the first and second position.

For this purpose, the trim element 1 includes, for example, a movement system 25 for the display surface 12. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the movement system 25 is attached to the second part 8 of the body 2.

The displacement system 25 includes for example a rail 26 extending along the transverse axis T, the rail 26 being fixed on the internal surface 9 of the second part 8 of the body 2.

The rail 26 is intended to cooperate with an upper end 28 of the display surface 12 in order to guide the movement of the display surface 12 along the transverse axis T.

A lower end 29, opposite the upper end 28, of the display surface 12 slides on the outer surface 6 of the first part 4.

In a variant, not shown, a second rail is provided on the external surface 6 of the first part 4, and cooperates with the lower end 29 of the display surface 12 in order to guide the movement of the display surface 12 along the transverse axis T.

The movement of the display surface 12 is, for example, motorized, controlled automatically by a control unit, not shown, or manually by an operator via an interaction element, such as a touch surface on the display surface 12 or elsewhere, or an actuable physical button.

Alternatively, the display surface 12 is moved manually by an operator located in the vehicle, for example by sliding the display surface 12 along the rail 26, until the display surface 12 is placed in the desired position.

Each image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is configured, for example, to be activated only when the display surface 12 is at least partially opposite the respective image generation unit 17, 18, 19.

For example, the trim element 1 includes position sensors that allow the position of the display surface 12 to be tracked in real time. Information relating to the position of the display surface 12 is transmitted, for example, to the control unit which then controls the activation of the image generation units 17, 18, 19.

Thus, by moving the display surface 12, the operator chooses which image generation unit 17, 18, 19 is to be activated, in order to provide specific and localized content for the needs of the vehicle occupants.

An unrepresented variant of this first embodiment will now be briefly described.

In this variant, the trim element 1 does not include three image generation units 17, 18, 19 but a single image generation unit configured to independently generate images on three different image generation areas of the image generation unit, and thus project identical or different content onto each display area 21, 22, 23 of the display surface 12.

In this variant, each specific image generation area of the image generation unit is, for example, also configured to be activated only when the display surface 12 is at least partially opposite the respective image generation area.

With reference to the FIG. 3 , a second embodiment of the trim element 100 according to the invention will now be described.

The first and second embodiments of the invention can be implemented completely independently of each other. The invention also covers, as will be described later, any technically feasible combination of the embodiments and variants described below.

According to a second embodiment, the trim element 100 comprises one or two image generation units each intended to generate and project content onto one of the display areas 21, 22, 23 of the display surface 12, successively.

In the example shown, the trim element 100 includes a single image generation unit 17, movable relative to the display surface 12 along the transverse axis T.

According to this example, the image generation unit 17 has a width, taken along the transverse axis T, strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis T, of the second part 8 of the body 2. In particular, the image generation unit 17 has a width, taken along the transverse axis T, strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis T, of the display surface 12.

For example, the image generation unit 17 has a width equal to the width of one or two display areas 21, 22, 23 combined.

When the width of the image generation unit 17 is equal to the width of a display area 21, the image generation unit 17 is movable in at least three positions, with the image generation unit 17 being opposite a display area 21, 22, 23 in each of the three positions. Thus, the content generated and projected by the image generation unit 17 is displayed only on the corresponding display area (opposite which the image generation unit 17 is located).

When the width of the image generation unit 17 is equal to the combined width of two display areas 21, 22, the image generation unit 17 is movable in at least two positions, with the image generation unit 17 being opposite at least one display area in each of the two positions. For example, the image generation unit 17 is opposite at least the central area 22 in each of the two positions, and the content generated and projected by the image generation unit 17 is always displayed on the central area 22, regardless of the position of the image generation unit 17.

Thus, the image generation unit 17 is mobile from one end to the other, along the transverse axis T, of the second part 8 of the body 2 in order to move successively in relation to the three display areas 21, 22, 23 defined by the display surface 12.

For this purpose, the trim element 100 includes, for example, a displacement system 35 for the image generation unit 17. In the example of the FIG. 3 , the displacement system 35 is integral with the second part 8 of body 2.

The movement system 35 includes, for example, a rail 36 extending along the transverse axis T, the rail 36 being integrated into the second part 8 of the body 2.

The rail 36 is intended to cooperate with a rear face 38 of the image generation unit 17 in order to guide the movement of the image generation unit 17 along the transverse axis T.

The movement of the image generation unit 17 is, for example, motorized, controlled automatically by a control unit, not shown, or manually by an operator via an interaction element, such as a touch surface on the display surface 12 or elsewhere, or an actuable physical button.

Alternatively, the image generation unit 17 is moved manually by an operator located in the vehicle, for example by sliding the image generation unit 17 along the rail 36, until the image generation unit 17 is placed in the desired position.

In the specific example of the FIG. 3 , the trim element 100 includes an opaque element 45 arranged and fixed on either side of the image generation unit 17 along the transverse axis T. For example, the opaque element 45 covers the internal surface 9, outside of the image generation unit 17.

In particular, the opaque element 45 comprises a first part 47 extending from a first edge 49, along the transverse axis T, of the image generation unit 17, to a corresponding first edge 51 of the second part 8 of the body 2, and a second part 53 extending from a second edge 55, along the transverse axis T, of the image generation unit 17, to a second edge (not visible on the FIG. 3 ) corresponding to the second part 8 of body 2. It is understood that the first and second edges 49, 55 of the image generation unit 17 are opposite along the transverse axis T. Similarly, the first edge 51 and the second edge of the second part 8 of body 2 are opposite along the transverse axis T.

The opaque element 45 is configured to move and/or deform when the image generation unit 17 moves along the transverse axis T.

In other words, the opaque element 45 accompanies the movement of the image generation unit 17 in order to cover the part of the internal surface 9 of the second part 8 extending between each edge 49, 55 of the image generation unit 17 and each edge 51 of the second part 8 of the body 2, regardless of the position of the image generation unit.

For example, the opaque element 45 obscures the movement system 35 from outside the trim element 100. An occupant of the vehicle cannot then see the movement system 35 through the opaque element 45.

Advantageously, the opaque element 45 also prevents the edges 49, 55 of the image generation unit 17 from being reflected onto the display surface 12 and giving an unsightly appearance to the display surface 12 when the image generation unit 17 is activated.

The opaque element 45 is for example an opaque fabric or is an opaque, preferably flexible, foldable plastic element.

In a variant, not shown, the opaque element 45 is a rigid plastic element, which, when the image generation unit 17 is moved along the transverse axis T, is inserted or removed from a corresponding housing provided in the second part 8 of the body 2.

The opaque element 45, for example, has a particular aesthetic appearance, which it gives to the internal surface 9 of the second part 8.

In a variant of the second embodiment, not shown, the trim element 100 does not include a display surface 12 but two or three separate display surfaces, each delimiting one or more of the display areas 21, 22, 23. Each display surface is, for example, spaced from the neighboring display surface along the transverse axis.

In a second variant, not shown, the trim element 100 does not include one image generation unit 17, but two image generation units, configured to move along the transverse axis T, in order to position itself opposite one of the display areas 21, 22, 23.

A third embodiment according to the invention relates to a combination of the first and second embodiments described above.

Thus, for example, in this embodiment, the trim element includes an image generation unit 17 and a display surface 12.

The display surface 12 and the image generation unit 17 are mobile in translation along the transverse axis T.

For example, the width of the display area 12, taken along the transverse axis T, is substantially equal to the width of the image generation unit 17, taken along the transverse axis T, and is strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis T, of the second part 8 of the body 2.

Alternatively, the width of the display surface 12, measured along the transverse axis T, is equal to twice the width of the image generation unit 17, measured along the transverse axis T. Thus, in each position of the display surface 12, the display surface 12 occupies the central area 22. Consequently, in each position of the display surface 12, the content generated by the image generation unit 17 when it is located opposite the central area 22 is always displayed on the display surface 12, specifically on the central area 22. For example, the movement of the display surface 12 along the transverse axis T is then synchronized with the movement of the image generation unit 17 along the transverse axis T.

By "synchronized" we mean that a control unit, not shown, associates for example the movement of one of the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12, with the movement of the other of the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12. The association of the two movements makes it possible to reproduce the movement of one of the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12 on the other of the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12. In other words, the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12 follow each other along the transverse axis T.

Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of both the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12 simultaneously by only commanding the movement of one or the other of the image generation unit 17 and the display surface 12.

This synchronized movement allows the display surface 12 and the image generation unit 17 to be moved in a linked manner, so that the display surface 12 and the image generation unit 17 are always positioned opposite each other for the display of the content generated by the image generation unit 17 on the display surface 12.

Regardless of the embodiments described above, the trim element 1, 100 according to the invention has many advantages.

Since the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 and the display surface 12 are movable relative to each other along the transverse axis T, it is possible to place the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 and the display surface 12 opposite each other, by moving, along the transverse axis T, either the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 or the display surface 12, in order to offer specific content dedicated to a particular occupant of the vehicle, located opposite the content displayed on the display surface 12.

Furthermore, since the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 and the display surface 12 are movable relative to each other, it is possible to design one of the image generation units 17, 18, 19 and the display surface 12 to be narrower than the other. This reduces the footprint within the trim element 1, 100 and the material costs of the trim element 1.

Finally, the activation of the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 being adapted to the position of the display surface 12 or to the position of the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 itself in relation to the display surface 12, the thermal losses due to the constant activation of the image generation unit 17, 18, 19 are limited and the temperature inside the trim element 1 is thus better controlled.

Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to reduce the production costs of the trim element by using, in at least one embodiment, a single movable image generation unit instead of several fixed image generation units.

Claims (10)

Vehicle trim element (1; 100) comprising a body (2) and at least one display surface (12) extending over at least an area of a first part (4) of the body (2), the display surface (12) extending between an external surface (13), forming at least a part of a visible external surface of the trim element (1; 100), and an internal surface (14), opposite the external surface (13), the display surface (12) being a semi-reflective blade, the trim element (1; 100) further comprising at least one image generation unit (17, 18, 19) arranged to display images on the display surface (12) when the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) is activated, the images emitted by the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) being reflected onto the display surface (12) so as to generate a virtual image in the background of the display surface (12), the body (2) comprising a second part (8) extending opposite and away from at least a part of the first part (4) of the body (2) in an elevation direction (Z) substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis (T), the second part (8) extending between an internal surface (9) and an external surface (10) opposite the internal surface (9) in the elevation direction (Z), the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) being mounted on said second part (8) of the body (2),
characterized in that at least one of the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) and the display surface (12) is movable along a transverse axis (T). Trimming element (1; 100) according to claim 1, comprising a movement system (25; 35) for the image generation unit (17) and/or the display surface (12), the movement system (25; 35) being integral with the second part (8) of the body (2). A trim element (1; 100) according to claim 2, wherein the movement system (25; 35) comprises at least one rail (26; 36) extending along the transverse axis (T), the rail (36) being integrated into the second part (8) and guiding the image generation unit (17) in movement along the transverse axis (T) and/or the rail (26) being fixed on the internal surface (9) of the second part (8) and guiding the movement of the display surface (12) along the transverse axis (T). A trim element (1; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) and/or the display surface (12) has a width, taken along the transverse axis (T), strictly less than the width, taken along the transverse axis (T), of the second part (8) of the body (2). A trim element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image generation unit (17) is movable relative to the display surface (12) along the transverse axis (T). A trim element (100) according to claim 5, comprising an opaque element (45) disposed and fixed on either side of the image generation unit (17) along the transverse axis (T), the opaque element (45) moving and/or deforming when the image generation unit (17) moves along the transverse axis (T). Filling element (100) according to claims 2 and 6, wherein the opaque element (45) obscures the displacement system (35) from outside the filling element (100). A trim element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display surface (12) is movable relative to the image generation unit (17, 18, 19) along the transverse axis (T). Filling element (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a plurality of image generation units (17, 18, 19). A trim element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display surface (12) and the image generation unit (17) are movable in translation along the transverse axis (T), the displacement along the transverse axis (T) of the display surface (12) being synchronized with the displacement along the transverse axis (T) of the image generation unit (17).