Methods and systems for laminating and dynamically reversibly bending covered glass

Abstract

A vehicle interior trim system includes a first frame having a first end and a second end, and a second frame having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second frame is arranged proximate to the second end of the first frame, and the first and second frames define a bending axis between the second and third ends. A continuous covering material is bonded to the first and second frames and spans the bending axis. The vehicle interior trim system also includes a first display device located in a first hole in the first frame. The system has a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the first frame is planar with the second frame, and in which the first frame is not planar with the second frame. The system is configured to reversibly switch between the first and second configurations.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 850,090, filed May 20, 2019, pursuant to 35 USC §119, and relies on its contents, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to vehicle interior systems, and more specifically to vehicle interior systems configured to switch between planar and non-planar configurations. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicle interiors include curved surfaces, and displays can be incorporated into such curved surfaces. Materials used to form such curved surfaces are typically limited to polymers, which do not exhibit the durability and optical properties of glass. Therefore, curved glass substrates are desirable, especially when used as covers for displays. Existing methods for forming such curved glass substrates, such as thermoforming, have disadvantages including high cost, optical distortion, and surface imprinting. Furthermore, existing cold forming techniques require mechanical force to hold the cold-bent glass article in place until the adhesive cures to sufficient strength to hold the glass in its curved shape. Moreover, in both methods, the curvature of the glass is fixed, making it impossible to reversibly bend, flatten, and re-bend the glass. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a vehicle interior system. The vehicle interior system includes a first frame having a first end and a second end, and a second frame having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second frame is arranged proximate to the second end of the first frame, and the first and second frames define a bending axis between the second and third ends. A continuous covering material is bonded to the first and second frames and spans the bending axis. The vehicle interior system also includes a first display device located in a first hole in the first frame. The system has a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the first frame and the second frame are planar, and in the second configuration, the first frame and the second frame are not planar. The system is configured to reversibly switch between the first and second configurations.

[0006] According to another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a vehicle interior system. The vehicle interior system includes a first frame having a first end and a second end, and a second frame having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second frame is arranged proximate to the second end of the first frame, and wherein the first frame and the second frame define a bending axis between the second end and the third end. The vehicle interior system also includes a continuous overlay glass attached to the first frame and the second frame and spanning the bending axis. The vehicle interior system has a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially non-planar. The vehicle interior system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0007] According to another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method of assembling a vehicle interior system. In this method, a first frame and a second frame are aligned in a planar configuration. A bending axis is formed between the first frame and the second frame. A first adhesive is applied to at least end regions of the first frame and the second frame. When the frames are in the planar configuration, a continuous cover material is laminated onto the first frame and the second frame, as well as onto the bending axis.

[0008] Further features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and will be apparent in part to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] It should be understood that the above overview and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claims. Drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a vehicle interior system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a top view of a vehicle interior system with a flexible surface according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 A description of an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 2 An exploded view of the vehicle's interior surface;

[0014] Figure 4 A method for assembling a vehicle interior system according to an exemplary embodiment is described;

[0015] Figure 5 An alignment tool for aligning a frame of a vehicle interior system, according to an exemplary embodiment, is depicted; and

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Various configurations of the framework according to exemplary implementations are described. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Various embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, vehicle interior systems may include a variety of different flat or curved surfaces, but not surfaces that can transition between flat and curved. Embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle interior system having a covering material bonded to a frame, which can dynamically bend between a planar and a non-planar configuration. Specifically, the vehicle interior system includes: two frame portions defining a bending axis; and a covering material bonded to the two frames and extending across the two frames, including across the bending axis. In embodiments, the frames may be driven by actuator arms to move the frames between planar and non-planar configurations. Furthermore, in embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a display, and the dynamic bending of the system allows the display to tilt toward the driver, thereby enhancing the display's visibility. Additionally, non-display systems may be integrated into other structures of the vehicle, such as an equipment compartment. These and other embodiments of the vehicle interior system are described below, and the following discussion is intended to be exemplary and not limiting.

[0018] Figure 1 Exemplary vehicle interior 10, including three different embodiments of vehicle interior systems 100, 200, and 300, is shown. Vehicle interior system 100 includes a frame shown as a center console base 110, the frame having a curved surface 120 including an optically integrated display 130. Vehicle interior system 200 includes a frame shown as an instrument panel base 210, the frame having a curved surface 220 including an optically integrated display 230. The instrument panel base 210 generally includes an instrument cluster 240, which may also include an optically integrated display. Vehicle interior system 300 includes a frame shown as a steering wheel base 310, the frame having a curved surface 320 and an optically integrated display 330. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system includes a frame that is an armrest, pillar, seat back, floor, headrest, door panel, or any part of the vehicle interior that includes a curved surface. In other embodiments, the frame is part of a housing for a self-standing display (i.e., a display not permanently attached to a part of the vehicle).

[0019] The embodiments of vehicle interior systems 100, 200, and 300 are merely exemplary. Furthermore, although each depicted embodiment includes at least one display, the vehicle interior system according to this disclosure does not require a display. For example, the vehicle interior system according to this disclosure includes non-display covering surfaces for the dashboard, center console, door panels, etc. In such embodiments, the vehicle interior system may be provided with a patterned coating (e.g., a brushed metallic finish, a wood grain finish, a leather finish, a colored finish, etc.) to visually match the covering material to adjacent non-glass components. In specific embodiments, such an ink or pigment coating may have a level of transparency that provides functionality for the deadfront.

[0020] Figure 2 A top view of a dynamically bendable vehicle interior system 400 is depicted. It can be seen that the system 400 includes a cover material layer 410 bonded to a first frame 420a and a second frame 420b. In embodiments, the cover material 410 is one of glass, glass-ceramic, or polymer. Exemplary glass materials include soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass. Such glass materials can be chemically strengthened, for example, by ion exchange strengthening. Specific glass compositions and chemical strengthening techniques are discussed below. Exemplary glass-ceramics suitable for the cover material include at least one of the following: Li₂O x Al₂O₃ x nSiO₂ system (LAS system), MgO x Al₂O₃ x nSiO₂ system (MAS system), and ZnO x Al₂O₃ x nSiO₂ system (ZAS system). Exemplary plastics suitable for the cover material include at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and cellulose triacetate (TAC).

[0021] The first frame 420a and the second frame 420b define a bending axis 430, and the covering material 410 is continuous across the bending axis 430. Specifically, the covering material 410 is a continuous layer or sheet of glass, glass-ceramic, or polymer. In one embodiment, the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b are joined at the bending axis 430 by a flexible joint 440. In other embodiments, the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b are joined only by the covering material 410.

[0022] In one embodiment, a first frame 420a is connected to a first actuator arm 450a, and a second frame is connected to a second actuator arm 450b. Actuator arms 450a and 450b move frames 420a and 420b (e.g., ...). Figure 2(As indicated by the double arrows), causing the covering material 410 to bend about the bending axis 430. In embodiments, the actuator arms 450a, 450b can be actuated by various actuation methods, such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuation or mechanical connection with an electric motor (e.g., a stepper motor).

[0023] Figure 3 An exploded view of system 400 is depicted. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the covering material 410 has a first main surface 452 and a second main surface 454 joined by a secondary surface 456. The first main surface 452 is an observation surface for vehicle occupants, in which the vehicle interior system 400 is mounted. The second main surface 454 is joined to a first frame 420a and a second frame 420b. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first frame 420a includes a first hole 460a, and the second frame 420b includes a second hole 460b. In this embodiment, an adhesive 470 is applied around the holes 460a and 460b to bond the second main surface 454 of the cover material 410 to the frames 420a and 420b. In this embodiment, holes 460a and 460b are provided in the frames 420a and 420b so that the first display 480a and the second display 480b can be bonded to the second main surface 454 of the cover material 410 using, for example, an optically clear adhesive 490. The displays can be any of various display types, including LED displays, plasma displays, OLED displays, and / or LCD displays.

[0024] Figure 3 The dimensions of the covering material 410 are described. The covering material 410 has a length L and a width W. In one embodiment, the length L is 5 cm to 250 cm. In other embodiments, the length L is 10 cm to 200 cm, and in other embodiments, the length L is 20 cm to 100 cm. In one embodiment, the width W is 5 cm to 250 cm. In other embodiments, the width W is 10 cm to 200 cm, and in other embodiments, the width W is 20 cm to 100 cm. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the thickness T defined by the distance between the first main surface 452 and the second main surface 454 is no greater than 2 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness T is 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm. In one embodiment, the covering material 410 substantially covers the frames 420a and 420b such that no part of the frames 420a and 420b is visible around the covering material 410.

[0025] Having described the components of the vehicle interior system 400, we will now turn our attention to how these components are assembled. In this regard, Figure 4A flowchart is provided for an exemplary method 500 for assembling system 400. In a first step 510, a first frame 420a and a second frame 420b are aligned. Figure 5 An alignment tool 600 is depicted, which assists in performing the first step 510 of the assembly method 500. (See image below.) Figure 5 As shown, a first frame 420a and a second frame 420b are placed together. In the depicted embodiment, the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b have complementary adjacent edges 610a, 610b. Alignment features, particularly grooves 620, extend across the adjacent edges 610a, 610b. Complementary alignment features, particularly ridges 630, are provided on the alignment tool 600. When the frames 420a, 420b approach each other, the alignment tool 600 contacts the frames 420a, 420b such that the ridge 630 is located in the groove 620 that aligns the adjacent edges 610a, 610b of the frames 420a, 420b. A first fastener 640a is inserted through a first through-hole 650a of the alignment tool 600 into a first receiving hole 660a of the first frame 420a. Similarly, a second fastener 640b is inserted through a second through-hole 650b of the alignment tool 600 into a second receiving hole 660b of the second frame 420b. In an exemplary embodiment, fasteners 640a and 640b are threaded, and receiving holes 660a and 660b contain mating threads. In this way, frames 420a and 420b are aligned and secured together by alignment tool 600.

[0026] return Figure 4 In method 500, the next step 520 after alignment step 510 is to bond the cover material 410 to frames 420a, 420b. Specifically, alignment tool 600 is disposed on a first side of frames 420a, 420b, and cover material 410 is disposed on the side opposite to the side having alignment tool 600. As described above, bonding step 520 involves using at least one adhesive 470. In one embodiment, a first adhesive 470 is applied around holes 460a, 460b of frames 420a, 420b, and no other adhesive is applied anywhere else on frames 420a, 420b. In another embodiment, the first adhesive 470 is applied around holes 460a, 460b, and a second adhesive is applied between the two holes 460a, 460b. In yet another embodiment, the first adhesive 470 is applied to the entire bonding surface of the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b. In another embodiment, the first adhesive 470 and the second adhesive have a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

[0027] In one embodiment, adhesive 470 comprises a liquid adhesive. Exemplary liquid adhesives include toughened epoxy resins, flexible epoxy resins, acrylic resins, polysiloxanes, urethane, polyurethanes, and silane-modified polymers. In a specific embodiment, the liquid adhesive comprises one or more toughened epoxy resins, such as EP21TDCHT-LO (available from...). Hackensack, NJ), 3M TM Scotch-Weld TM Epoxy resin DP460, off-white (purchased from 3M, St. Paul, MN). In other embodiments, the liquid adhesive comprises one or more flexible epoxy resins, such as Masterbond EP21TDC-2LO (purchased from...). Hackensack, NJ), 3M TM Scotch-Weld TM Epoxy resin 2216B / A grey (purchased from 3M, St. Paul, MN) and 3M TM Scotch-Weld TM Epoxy resin DP125. In other embodiments, the liquid adhesive comprises one or more acrylic resins, such as... Adhesive 410 / Accelerator 19w / AP 134 primer, adhesives Accelerator 25GB (both purchased from LORD Corporation, Cary, NC), DELO PUR SJ9356 (purchased from DELO Industrial Adhesives, Windach, Germany) 9399 and 647-2C (the latter four were purchased from Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf, Germany), etc. In yet other embodiments, the liquid adhesive comprises one or more urethanes, such as 3M... TM Scotch-Weld TM ethyl carbamate DP640 (brown) and 3M TM Scotch-Weld TM In other embodiments, the liquid adhesive comprises one or more polysiloxanes, such as Dow 995 (purchased from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, MI).

[0028] Advantageously, the joining step 520 is performed when frames 420a and 420b are in a planar configuration. Compared to some conventional techniques for forming curved glass articles, in which additional equipment is required during curing to hold the covering material in place, curing in a planar configuration eliminates the need for, for example, vacuum suction cups, clamps, presses, pressure rollers, etc., to maintain the curvature of the glass. Nevertheless, and as will be discussed below, the covering material 410 can still be bent or flexed even after curing.

[0029] Following step 520, method 500 includes an optional display attachment step 530. That is, although the embodiments shown so far have included displays 480a, 480b, no display is required for each frame 420a, 420b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, neither frame includes holes for the display. In embodiments including one or more displays 480a, 480b, the displays 480a, 480b are bonded to the second main surface 454 of the cover material using an optically clear adhesive 490. In other embodiments, the displays 480a, 480b are attached to the cover material 410 before the cover material 410 is attached to the frames 420a, 420b.

[0030] After the adhesive 470 bonding the covering material 410 to the frames 420a, 420b has cured, the alignment tool 600 can be removed. However, in some embodiments, the alignment tool 600 remains attached to the frames 420a, 420b during storage and / or transportation to stabilize the components. In such embodiments, the alignment tool 600 can be removed before the vehicle interior system 400 is installed in the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The curvature that can be incorporated into the vehicle interior system 400 is shown. For example... Figure 6A As shown, the second frame 420b forms an angle α relative to the first frame 420a, which creates curvature in the covering material 410. In one embodiment, the angle α between the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b is approximately 90° to less than 180°. In other embodiments, the angle α is approximately 110° to less than 180°, and in still other embodiments, the angle α is approximately 130° to less than 180°. Figure 6A In this embodiment, the curvature is concave, and in a non-planar configuration, the covering material 410 can be bent into a concave surface with a curvature radius of 60 mm, 40 mm, or even 30 mm (or in other words, a curvature radius of about 30 mm or more, about 50 mm or more, or about 60 mm or more). Figure 6BThe convex curvature of the vehicle interior system 400 is depicted. Specifically, in one embodiment, the angle α between the first frame 420a and the second frame 420b ranges from greater than 180° to approximately 270°. In other embodiments, the angle α ranges from greater than 180° to approximately 250°, and in still other embodiments, the angle α ranges from greater than 180° to approximately 250°. In an embodiment, in a non-planar configuration, the covering material 410 can be bent into a convex surface with a radius of curvature of 60 mm, 40 mm, or even 30 mm (or in other words, a radius of curvature of approximately 30 mm or greater, approximately 50 mm or greater, or approximately 60 mm or greater).

[0032] Various implementations of vehicle interior systems can be incorporated into vehicles such as trains, automobiles (e.g., cars, vans, buses, etc.), marine vehicles (ships, boats, submarines, etc.), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters, etc.). As described above, the dynamically flexible vehicle interior system 400 allows surfaces to transition between planar and non-planar configurations. In one implementation, a non-planar configuration may correspond to directing a display toward a specific viewer, such as the vehicle's driver, so that the driver does not have to take his or her eyes off the path ahead. In other implementations, in specific embodiments without a display, a planar or non-planar configuration may correspond to an opening in a storage compartment, such as the opening of a glove compartment on a dashboard.

[0033] Properties of tempered glass

[0034] As described above, the cover material 410 may comprise tempered glass. In one or more embodiments, the cover material 410 may be reinforced to include compressive stress extending from the surface to the depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress region is balanced by a central portion exhibiting tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress transitions from negative (compressive) stress to positive (tensile) stress.

[0035] In various embodiments, the glass covering material 410 can be mechanically strengthened by utilizing the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion between different parts of the article to create regions of compressive stress and a central region exhibiting tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass substrate can be thermally strengthened by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching it.

[0036] In various embodiments, the covering material 410 can be chemically strengthened by ion exchange. During ion exchange, ions on or near the surface of the glass substrate are replaced (or exchanged) by larger ions with the same valence or oxidation state. In embodiments where the glass substrate comprises alkali metal aluminosilicate glass, the ions and larger ions in the surface layer of the article are monovalent alkali metal cations, such as Li. + Na + K+ 、Rb + and Cs + Alternatively, the monovalent cations in the surface layer can be replaced with monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations, such as Ag. + In such embodiments, monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass substrate generate stress.

[0037] Ion exchange processes are typically carried out by immersing a glass substrate in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing larger ions to be exchanged with smaller ions in the glass substrate. It should be noted that brine baths can also be used. Additionally, the composition of the bath may include more than one larger ion (e.g., Na+ and K+) or a single larger ion. Those skilled in the art will understand that parameters of the ion exchange process include, but are not limited to: bath composition and temperature, immersion time, number of immersions of the glass substrate in one or more salt baths, use of multiple salt baths, and additional steps such as annealing and washing. These parameters are typically determined by the composition of the glass substrate (including the structure of the article and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the strengthened glass. Exemplary molten salt bath compositions may include nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides of larger alkali metal ions. Typical nitrates include KNO3, NaNO3, LiNO3, NaSO4, and combinations thereof. The temperature of the molten salt bath is typically in the range of approximately 380°C to approximately 450°C, while the immersion time ranges from approximately 15 minutes to approximately 100 hours, depending on the thickness of the glass substrate, the bath temperature, and the glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity. However, different temperatures and immersion times may also be used.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be immersed in a molten salt bath of 100% NaNO3, 100% KNO3, or a combination of NaNO3 and KNO3 at a temperature of about 370°C to about 480°C. In some embodiments, the glass substrate may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath containing about 5% to about 90% KNO3 and about 10% to about 95% NaNO3. In one or more embodiments, after immersing the glass substrate in the first bath, it may be immersed in a second bath. The first bath and the second bath may have different compositions and / or temperatures. The immersion times in the first bath and the second bath may differ. For example, the immersion time in the first bath may be longer than the immersion time in the second bath.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath containing NaNO3 and KNO3 (e.g., 49% / 51%, 50% / 50%, 51% / 49%) at a temperature below about 420°C (e.g., about 400°C or about 380°C) for less than about 5 hours, or even about 4 hours or less.

[0040] Ion exchange conditions can be adjusted to provide a "spiking" or increase the slope of the stress distribution on or near the surface of the resulting glass substrate. Spiking results in a larger surface CS value. Due to the unique properties of the glass compositions used in the glass substrates described herein, this spike can be achieved through single-bath or multi-bath processes, wherein the baths have a single or mixed composition.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, when more than one monovalent ion is exchanged into the glass substrate, different monovalent ions can be exchanged to different depths within the glass substrate (and generate stresses of different magnitudes at different depths within the glass substrate). The relative depths of the ions that generate stress can be determined, resulting in different characteristics of the stress distribution.

[0042] CS is measured using methods known in the art, such as by using a commercially available surface stress meter (FSM) (e.g., the FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan)). Surface stress measurement relies on the accurate measurement of the stress optical coefficient (SOC) associated with the birefringence of the glass. SOC is measured sequentially by methods known in the art, such as the fiber optic and four-point bending method and the volume cylinder method. The fiber optic and four-point bending methods are described in ASTM standard C770-98 (2013), entitled "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As used herein, CS can be "maximum compressive stress," which is the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass substrate. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, thus giving the compression profile a "buried peak" appearance.

[0043] DOC can be measured using either a fractional light sieving (FSM) or a supersonic optical spectroscopy (SCALP) (such as the SCALP-04, available from Glassstress Ltd. in Tallinn, Estonia), depending on the strengthening method and conditions. When a glass substrate is chemically strengthened by ion exchange, either FSM or SCALP can be used depending on which ions are exchanged into the substrate. In cases where stress is generated in the glass substrate by exchanging potassium ions, FSM is used to measure DOC. In cases where stress is generated by exchanging sodium ions, SCALP is used to measure DOC. In cases where stress is generated in the glass substrate by exchanging both potassium and sodium ions, SCALP is used to measure DOC because the exchange depth of sodium is believed to represent DOC, while the exchange depth of potassium ions represents the change in compressive stress (but not the change from compressive stress to tensile stress); the exchange depth of potassium ions in such glass substrates is measured using FSM. Center tension, or CT, is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by SCALP.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be strengthened to exhibit a DOC (as described herein) that is a portion of the thickness T of the glass substrate. For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC may be greater than or equal to about 0.05T, greater than or equal to about 0.1T, greater than or equal to about 0.11T, greater than or equal to about 0.12T, greater than or equal to about 0.13T, greater than or equal to about 0.14T, greater than or equal to about 0.15T, greater than or equal to about 0.16T, greater than or equal to about 0.17T, greater than or equal to about 0.18T, greater than or equal to about 0.19T, greater than or equal to about 0.2T, or greater than or equal to about 0.21T. In some embodiments, the DOC may be in the range of about 0.08T to about 0.25T, about 0.09T to about 0.25T, about 0.10T to about 0.25T, about 0.11T to about 0.25T, about 0.12T to about 0.25T, about 0.13T to about 0.25T, about 0.14T to about 0.25T, about 0.15T to about 0.25T, about 0.08T to about 0.24T, about 0.08T to about 0.23T, about 0.08T to about 0.22T, about 0.08T to about 0.21T, about 0.08T to about 0.2T, about 0.08T to about 0.19T, about 0.08T to about 0.18T, about 0.08T to about 0.17T, about 0.08T to about 0.16T, or about 0.08T to about 0.15T. In some cases, the DOC may be about 20 μm or less. In one or more embodiments, the DOC may be about 40 μm or greater (e.g., about 40 μm to about 300 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about 60 μm to about 300 μm, about 70 μm to about 300 μm, about 80 μm to about 300 μm, about 90 μm to about 300 μm, about 100 μm to about 300 μm, about 110 μm to about 300 μm, about 120 μm to about 300 μm, about 140 μm to about 300 μm, about 150 μm to about 300 μm, about 40 μm to about 290 μm, about 40 μm to about 280 μm, about 40 μm to about 260 μm). Approximately 40 μm to approximately 250 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 240 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 230 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 220 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 210 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 200 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 180 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 160 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 150 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 140 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 130 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 120 μm, approximately 40 μm to approximately 110 μm, or approximately 40 μm to approximately 100 μm. In other embodiments, the DOC falls within any of the exact numerical ranges set forth in this paragraph.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the CS (which can be found on the surface of the glass substrate or at a certain depth) of the reinforced glass substrate can be about 200 MPa or greater, 300 MPa or greater, 400 MPa or greater, about 500 MPa or greater, about 600 MPa or greater, about 700 MPa or greater, about 800 MPa or greater, about 900 MPa or greater, about 930 MPa or greater, about 1000 MPa or greater, or about 1050 MPa or greater.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or center tension (CT) of the reinforced glass substrate may be about 20 MPa or greater, about 30 MPa or greater, about 40 MPa or greater, about 45 MPa or greater, about 50 MPa or greater, about 60 MPa or greater, about 70 MPa or greater, about 75 MPa or greater, about 80 MPa or greater, or about 85 MPa or greater. In some embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or center tension (CT) may be in the range of about 40 MPa to about 100 MPa. In other embodiments, CS falls within the exact numerical range set forth in this paragraph.

[0047] Glass composition

[0048] The glass compositions suitable for glass covering material 410 include soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, alkali borosilicate glass, and alkali borosilicate glass.

[0049] Unless otherwise stated, the glass compositions disclosed herein are described as molar percentages (mol%) based on oxide analysis.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the amount of SiO2 included in the glass composition may be in the range of about 66 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 67 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 68 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 69 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 70 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 72 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 78 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 76 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 74 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 72 mol%, or about 65 mol% to about 70 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the amount of Al2O3 included in the glass composition is greater than about 4 mol% or greater than about 5 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the amount of Al2O3 included in the glass composition is in the range of greater than about 7 mol% to about 15 mol%, greater than about 7 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 13 mol%, about 4 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 11 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 15 mol%, 9 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 15 mol%, or about 12 mol% to about 15 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the upper limit of Al2O3 may be about 14 mol%, 14.2 mol%, 14.4 mol%, 14.6 mol%, or 14.8 mol%.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the glass article is described as an aluminosilicate glass article or comprising an aluminosilicate glass composition. In such embodiments, the glass composition or article formed therefrom comprises SiO2 and Al2O3, rather than soda-lime silicate glass. In this regard, the amount of Al2O3 included in the glass composition or article formed therefrom is about 2 mol% or more, 2.25 mol% or more, 2.5 mol% or more, about 2.75 mol% or more, or about 3 mol% or more.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises B2O3 (e.g., about 0.01 mol% or more). In one or more embodiments, the amount of B2O3 included in the glass composition ranges from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 3 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 2 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of B2O3.

[0054] As used herein, the phrase “substantially free” relative to a component of a composition means that the component was not actively or intentionally added to the composition during initial formulation, but may be present as an impurity in an amount of less than about 0.001 mol%.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition optionally contains P2O5 (e.g., about 0.01 mol% or more). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes a non-zero amount of P2O5 up to and including 2 mol%, 1.5 mol%, 1 mol%, or 0.5 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of P2O5.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the total amount of R2O (which is the total amount of alkali metal oxides such as Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, and Cs2O) included in the glass composition is greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In some embodiments, the total amount of R2O included in the glass composition is in the range of about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 13 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of Rb₂O, Cs₂O, or both Rb₂O and Cs₂O. In one or more embodiments, R₂O may comprise only the total amount of Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include at least one alkali metal oxide selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O, wherein said alkali metal oxide is present in an amount greater than about 8 mol% or more.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the amount of Na2O included in the glass composition is greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the Na2O included in the composition is in the range of 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 16 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises less than about 4 mol%, less than about 3 mol%, or less than about 1 mol% of K2O. In some cases, the amount of K2O comprised in the glass composition may be in the range of about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.1 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, or about 0.5 mol% to about 1 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of K2O.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Li2O.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the amount of Na2O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Li2O. In some cases, the amount of Na2O may be greater than the combined amount of Li2O and K2O. In one or more alternative embodiments, the amount of Li2O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Na2O or the combined amount of Na2O and K2O.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the total amount of RO (which is the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxides such as CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO, and SrO) that may be included in the glass composition ranges from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes a non-zero amount of RO up to about 2 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the amount of RO included in the glass composition is from about 0 mol% to about 1.8 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.6 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.4 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.2 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.8 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the amount of CaO included in the glass composition is less than about 1 mol%, less than about 0.8 mol%, or less than about 0.5 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of CaO.

[0063] In some embodiments, the amount of MgO included in the glass composition is from about 0 mol% to about 7 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 6 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 7 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 6 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, from about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, from about 1 mol% to about 7 mol%, from about 2 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the amount of ZrO2 included in the glass composition is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the amount of ZrO2 included in the glass composition is in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the amount of SnO2 included in the glass composition is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the amount of SnO2 included in the glass composition is in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therein.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include oxides that impart color or hue to the glass article. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes oxides that prevent discoloration of the glass article when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of such oxides include, but are not limited to, oxides of the following: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe, expressed as Fe₂O₃, wherein Fe is present in an amount reaching (and including) about 1 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Fe. In one or more embodiments, the amount of Fe₂O₃ included in the glass composition is equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the amount of Fe₂O₃ included in the glass composition is in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0068] When the glass composition includes TiO2, the amount of TiO2 present may be about 5 mol% or less, about 2.5 mol% or less, about 2 mol% or less, or about 1 mol% or less. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of TiO2.

[0069] Exemplary glass compositions include: SiO2 in an amount ranging from about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%; Al2O3 in an amount ranging from about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%; Na2O in an amount ranging from about 12 mol% to about 17 mol%; K2O in an amount ranging from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%; and MgO in an amount ranging from about 1.5 mol% to about 6 mol%. Optionally, SnO2 in amounts otherwise disclosed herein may be included. It should be understood that while the foregoing glass composition paragraphs express approximate ranges, in other embodiments, the glass covering material 410 may be made of any glass composition falling within any of the exact numerical ranges discussed above.

[0070] Aspect (1) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system comprising: a first frame having a first end and a second end; a second frame having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end of the second frame is arranged close to the second end of the first frame, and wherein the first frame and the second frame define a bending axis between the second end and the third end; a continuous cover material bonded to the first frame and the second frame and spanning the bending axis; a first display device located in a first hole in the first frame; wherein the system has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially non-planar; and wherein the system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0071] Aspect (2) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (1), wherein the continuous covering material includes at least one of plastic, glass, or glass-ceramic.

[0072] Aspect (3) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system of aspect (2), wherein the continuous covering material comprises glass, and wherein the glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

[0073] Aspect (4) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (3), wherein the glass is chemically strengthened by ion exchange treatment.

[0074] Aspect (5) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (4), wherein the thickness of the continuous covering material is at most 2 mm.

[0075] Aspect (6) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (5), wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

[0076] Aspect (7) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system according to any one of aspects (1) to (6), wherein the continuous covering material provides an open surface for the display device when the display device is turned off.

[0077] Aspect (8) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (1) to (7), further comprising a second display device mounted to a second frame.

[0078] Aspect (9) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (8), wherein a first adhesive bonds a continuous covering material to a first frame and a second frame, and wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

[0079] Aspect (10) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (9), wherein the first adhesive is applied at least to a first end of the first frame and a fourth end of the second frame.

[0080] Aspect (11) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (10), wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region of the vehicle interior system above the second end of the first frame and the third end of the second frame.

[0081] Aspect (12) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (11), wherein a second adhesive is applied in the intermediate region.

[0082] Aspect (13) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (1) to (12), further comprising an actuator configured to move the system between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0083] Aspect (14) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (13), wherein the second configuration defines a concave curve in the cover glass.

[0084] Aspect (15) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (13), wherein the second configuration defines a convex bend in the cover glass.

[0085] Aspect (16) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (13), wherein the second configuration defines at least one of a concave or convex bend in the cover glass.

[0086] Aspect (17) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system according to any one of aspects (1) to (16), wherein, in a second configuration, the second frame forms an angle with the first frame, and wherein the angle is in the range of 90° to less than 180° or greater than 180° to 270°.

[0087] Aspect (18) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (1) to (17), wherein in a second configuration, the continuous covering material is configured to be bent to a radius of curvature of about 60 mm or greater.

[0088] Aspect (19) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (1) to (18), wherein a second end of a first frame and a third end of a second frame are connected at a bend shaft via a pivotable joint.

[0089] Aspect (20) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (1) to (19), wherein the vehicle interior system is at least one of a central information display, an instrument panel or an interior dashboard.

[0090] Aspect (21) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system comprising: a first frame having a first end and a second end; a second frame having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end of the second frame is arranged close to the second end of the first frame, and wherein the first frame and the second frame define a bending axis between the second end and the third end; a continuous cover glass joined to the first frame and the second frame and spanning the bending axis; wherein the vehicle interior system has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration the first frame and the second frame are substantially non-planar; and wherein the vehicle interior system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0091] Aspect (22) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (21), wherein the continuous cover glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

[0092] Aspect (23) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (21) or aspect (22), wherein the thickness of the continuous covering glass is at most 2 mm.

[0093] Aspect (24) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (23), wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

[0094] Aspect (25) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (21) or aspect (24), further including a first display device mounted to the first frame.

[0095] Aspect (26) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (25), further including a second display device mounted to the second frame.

[0096] Aspect (27) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (26), wherein when the first display device or the second display device is turned off, the continuous cover glass provides an open surface for the respective first display device or the second display device.

[0097] Aspect (28) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (27), wherein a first adhesive bonds a continuous cover glass to a first frame and a second frame, and wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

[0098] Aspect (29) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (28), wherein the first adhesive is applied at least to a first end of the first frame and a fourth end of the second frame.

[0099] Aspect (30) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (29), wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region of the vehicle interior system above the second end of the first frame and the third end of the second frame.

[0100] Aspect (31) of this disclosure relates to the vehicle interior system described in aspect (30), wherein a second adhesive is applied in the intermediate region.

[0101] Aspect (32) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (21) to (31), further comprising an actuator configured to move the system between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0102] Aspect (33) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (32), wherein the second configuration defines a concave curvature.

[0103] Aspect (34) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (32), wherein the second configuration defines a convex bend.

[0104] Aspect (35) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (32), wherein the second configuration defines at least one of a concave bend or a convex bend.

[0105] Aspect (36) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (35), wherein, in a second configuration, the second frame forms an angle with the first frame, and wherein the angle is in the range of 90° to less than 180° or greater than 180° to 270°.

[0106] Aspect (37) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system of any one of aspects (21) to (36), wherein, in a second configuration, the continuous cover glass is configured to be bent to a radius of curvature of about 60 mm or greater.

[0107] Aspect (38) of this disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system as described in any one of aspects (21) to (37), wherein the vehicle interior system is at least one of a glove box, a storage box, or an interior dashboard.

[0108] Aspect (39) of this disclosure relates to a method of assembling a vehicle interior system, the method comprising the steps of: aligning a first frame and a second frame in a planar configuration, wherein a bending axis is formed between the first frame and the second frame; applying a first adhesive to at least end regions of the first frame and the second frame; and, while the frames are in a planar configuration, laminating a continuous cover material onto the first frame and the second frame and over the bending axis.

[0109] Aspect (40) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (39), wherein the alignment step further includes: attaching an alignment plate to a first frame and a second frame, inserting a first fastener through the alignment plate into the first frame, and inserting a second fastener through the alignment plate into the second frame.

[0110] Aspect (41) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (40), wherein the alignment step further comprises: engaging a protrusion or recess feature of the first frame and the second frame with a complementary recess or protrusion feature of the alignment plate.

[0111] Aspect (42) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (41), further comprising the step of mounting the first display device to a continuous covering material.

[0112] Aspect (43) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (42), wherein the first display device is mounted to the continuous cover material before the continuous cover material is laminated to the first frame and the second frame.

[0113] Aspect (44) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (42) or aspect (43), further comprising the step of mounting a second display device to a continuous cover material.

[0114] Aspect (45) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (44), wherein the second display device is mounted to the continuous cover material before the continuous cover material is laminated to the first frame and the second frame.

[0115] Aspect (46) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (45), wherein the continuous covering material comprises at least one of plastic, glass or glass ceramic.

[0116] Aspect (47) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (46), wherein the continuous covering material comprises glass, and wherein the glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

[0117] Aspect (48) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (47), wherein the thickness of the continuous covering material is at most 2 mm.

[0118] Aspect (49) of this disclosure relates to the method of aspect (48), wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

[0119] Aspect (50) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (49), wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

[0120] Aspect (51) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (50), wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region disposed between the end regions.

[0121] Aspect (52) of this disclosure relates to the method of any one of aspects (39) to (51), further comprising the step of applying a second adhesive in the intermediate region.

[0122] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, the absence of a specific order in which a method claim does not explicitly list the order in which its steps should be followed, or where the claims or description do not otherwise specify that the steps should be limited to a particular order, shall not imply that a particular order can be inferred. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0123] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction with the spirit and substance of the embodiments are possible to those skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed as including all contents within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior system, comprising: A first frame, the first frame having a first end and a second end; A second frame having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end of the second frame is arranged close to the second end of the first frame, and wherein the first frame and the second frame define a bending axis between the second end and the third end; A continuous overlay material, said continuous overlay material being bonded to the first frame and the second frame and spanning the bending axis; A first display device, wherein the first display device is located in a first hole in the first frame; The system has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration, the first frame and the second frame are not substantially planar. An actuator arm is connected to the first frame or the second frame, wherein the actuator arm is configured to move the first frame or the second frame between the first configuration and the second configuration; The system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration; and In the second configuration, the second frame forms an angle with the first frame, and the angle is in the range of 90º to less than 180º or greater than 180º to 270º, thereby enhancing the visibility of the first display device for people in a vehicle with the vehicle interior system.

2. The vehicle interior system of claim 1, wherein the continuous covering material comprises at least one of plastic, glass, or glass-ceramic.

3. The vehicle interior system of claim 2, wherein the continuous covering material comprises glass, and wherein the glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

4. The vehicle interior system of claim 3, wherein the glass is chemically strengthened by ion exchange treatment.

5. The vehicle interior system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the continuous covering material is at most 2 mm.

6. The vehicle interior system of claim 5, wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

7. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the display device is turned off, the continuous covering material provides an open surface for the display device.

8. The vehicle interior system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second display device mounted to the second frame.

9. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first adhesive bonds the continuous covering material to the first frame and the second frame, and wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

10. The vehicle interior system of claim 9, wherein the first adhesive is applied at least to the first end of the first frame and the fourth end of the second frame.

11. The vehicle interior system of claim 9, wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region of the vehicle interior system above the second end of the first frame and the third end of the second frame.

12. The vehicle interior system of claim 11, wherein a second adhesive is applied in the intermediate region.

13. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second configuration defines at least one of a concave bend or a convex bend in the continuous covering material.

14. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the second configuration, the continuous covering material is configured to be bent to a radius of curvature of about 60 mm or greater.

15. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second end of the first frame and the third end of the second frame are connected at the bending axis via a pivotable joint.

16. The vehicle interior system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle interior system is at least one of a central information display or a dashboard.

17. A vehicle interior system, comprising: A first frame, the first frame having a first end and a second end; A second frame having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end of the second frame is arranged close to the second end of the first frame, and wherein the first frame and the second frame define a bending axis between the second end and the third end; A continuous overlay glass, which is incorporated into the first frame and the second frame and spans the bending axis; The vehicle interior system has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration, the first frame and the second frame are not substantially planar. An actuator arm is connected to the first frame or the second frame, wherein the actuator arm is configured to move the first frame or the second frame between the first configuration and the second configuration; The vehicle interior system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration; and In the second configuration, the second frame forms an angle with the first frame, and the angle is in the range of 90º to less than 180º or greater than 180º to 270º, thereby enhancing the visibility of the first display device positioned in the first frame for people in a vehicle having the vehicle interior system.

18. The vehicle interior system of claim 17, wherein the continuous overlay glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

19. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the thickness of the continuous covering glass is at most 2 mm.

20. The vehicle interior system of claim 19, wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

21. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising a first display device mounted to the first frame.

22. The vehicle interior system of claim 21, further comprising a second display device mounted to the second frame.

23. The vehicle interior system of claim 22, wherein when the first display device or the second display device is turned off, the continuous cover glass provides an open surface for the first display device or the second display device.

24. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein a first adhesive bonds the continuous cover glass to the first frame and the second frame, and wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

25. The vehicle interior system of claim 24, wherein the first adhesive is applied at least to the first end of the first frame and the fourth end of the second frame.

26. The vehicle interior system of claim 25, wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region of the vehicle interior system above the second end of the first frame and the third end of the second frame.

27. The vehicle interior system of claim 26, wherein a second adhesive is applied in the intermediate region.

28. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the second configuration defines at least one of a concave bend or a convex bend.

29. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein in the second configuration, the continuous overlay glass is configured to be bent to a radius of curvature of about 60 mm or greater.

30. The vehicle interior system of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the vehicle interior system is at least one of a storage compartment or an interior dashboard.

31. A method for assembling a vehicle interior system, the method comprising the following steps: The first frame and the second frame are aligned in a planar configuration, wherein a bending axis is formed between the first frame and the second frame; The first adhesive is applied to at least the end regions of the first frame and the second frame; When the frame is in the planar configuration, a continuous cover material is laminated onto the first frame and the second frame as well as onto the bending axis; The vehicle interior system has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first frame and the second frame are substantially planar, and in the second configuration, the first frame and the second frame are not substantially planar. An actuator arm is connected to the first frame or the second frame, wherein the actuator arm is configured to move the first frame or the second frame between the first configuration and the second configuration; The vehicle interior system is configured to reversibly switch between the first configuration and the second configuration; and In the second configuration, the second frame forms an angle with the first frame, and the angle is in the range of 90º to less than 180º or greater than 180º to 270º, thereby enhancing the visibility of the first display device positioned in the first frame for people in a vehicle having the vehicle interior system.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the alignment step further comprises: The alignment plate is attached to the first frame and the second frame, a first fastener is inserted into the first frame through the alignment plate, and a second fastener is inserted into the second frame through the alignment plate.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the alignment step further comprises: The protrusions or recesses of the first and second frames are matched with the complementary recesses or protrusions of the alignment plate.

34. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, further comprising the step of mounting a first display device to the continuous covering material.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first display device is mounted to the continuous cover material before the continuous cover material is laminated to the first frame and the second frame.

36. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of mounting a second display device to the continuous cover material.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the second display device is mounted to the continuous cover material before the continuous cover material is laminated to the first frame and the second frame.

38. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the continuous covering material comprises at least one of plastic, glass, or glass-ceramic.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the continuous covering material comprises glass, and wherein the glass comprises at least one of soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or alkali metal aluminosilicate glass.

40. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the thickness of the continuous covering material is at most 2 mm.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

42. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the first adhesive has a modulus of 1.1 MPa to 10 GPa.

43. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the first adhesive is not applied in the intermediate region disposed between the end regions.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of applying a second adhesive in the intermediate region.

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