Assembly element including integrated multi-layer display area

Abstract

The invention relates to a fitting element (1) comprising an integrated multi-layer display area, comprising a display area (7) forming at least part of an outer surface (3) of the fitting element (1), the display area (7) being defined by a multi-layer display device (10) extending between the outer surface (3) of the fitting element (1) and an inner surface (5) opposite the outer surface (3), the display device (10) comprises, from the outer surface (3) towards the inner surface (5), at least one diffusion layer (18) and an emission layer (20), the emission layer (20) being arranged to illuminate the display area (7) and the diffusion layer (18) being arranged to diffuse light emitted by the emission layer (20). The emission layer (20) is at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting element of the type including a display area, which forms at least a part of the outer surface of the mounting element. The display area is defined by a multi-layer display device extending between the outer surface of the mounting element and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface. The display device includes at least one diffusion layer and an emission layer from the outer surface to the inner surface. The emission layer is arranged to illuminate the display area and the diffusion layer is arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the emission layer.

[0002] The assembly component according to the present invention is, for example, a display module including a display device or a decorative component including a display device. The present invention is applicable to, for example, a vehicle assembly component. Background Art

[0003] It is known to integrate display devices into fitting elements, such as dashboards, centre consoles, seats, door panels etc., in order to display information and / or audiovisual content intended for passengers of the vehicle.

[0004] For this purpose, the display device extends inside the opaque housing, thereby allowing the light to be directed and diffused towards a display area, wherein the image of the display device is displayed on the display area. Such a housing extends, for example, in the body of the mounting element. The display area is, for example, formed on a transparent window or lens and, for example, extends substantially in a continuation of the outer surface of the body, so that the mounting element has a substantially continuous and uninterrupted outer surface presenting a satisfactory appearance.

[0005] However, in order to display content with satisfactory resolution to passengers of the vehicle, the housing of the display device should have large dimensions, which increases the space occupation of the assembly element, may damage other functional elements, and increases the cost of the assembly element integrating the display device.

[0006] Furthermore, although the display area extends in continuation with the rest of the outer surface of the mounting element, the transition between the display area and the area of ​​the outer surface extending around the display area is still visible, which detracts from the appearance of the mounting element and reduces the integrated appearance of the display device in the mounting element. Summary of the invention

[0007] One of the objects of the present invention is to propose a mounting element which integrates a display device and whose space occupation and costs are reduced while maintaining a good resolution of the displayed image.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a package component of the above-mentioned type, characterized in that the emitter layer is at least partially encapsulated in a diffusion layer.

[0009] The emission layer is encapsulated in the diffusion layer, and the distance between the diffusion layer and the light source is minimized. Therefore, the image displayed on the display area has an increased resolution.

[0010] In addition, as described above, the assembly element has no housing, and the multi-layer display device is more compact and limits the space occupied by the assembly element.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the assembly element comprises one or more of the following features, which can be employed individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - The emission layer comprises a support layer, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or micro light-emitting diodes are printed on the support layer, and the diodes are at least partially encapsulated in a diffusion layer;

[0013] - The emission layer comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or micro light-emitting diodes printed on the inner surface of the diffusion layer, and the diodes are at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer;

[0014] - The assembly element comprises a reflective layer disposed between the emission layer and the inner surface, and the reflective layer reflects the light emitted by the emission layer towards the outer surface of the assembly element;

[0015] - The assembly element comprises a holding layer disposed between the reflective layer and the inner surface, and the holding layer imparts mechanical properties to the display device;

[0016] - The assembly element comprises a decorative layer forming the outer surface of the assembly element, and the decorative layer has a transmittance between 1% and 40%;

[0017] - The assembly element comprises a flexible layer, and the inner surface of the display device is assembled on the flexible layer by gluing;

[0018] - The display area has a three-dimensional shape;

[0019] - Each layer of the multi-layer display device is made by plastic screen printing.

[0020] The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing the assembly element as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0021] - Printing each layer of the multi-layer display device from the outer surface towards the inner surface by screen printing and continuous baking, and the emission layer is printed on the diffusion layer before baking the diffusion layer. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reading the following description given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] - Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an assembly element according to a first embodiment of the invention, and

[0024] -Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an assembly element according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the specific implementation

[0025] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the assembly element 1 is described as extending between an outer surface 3 and an inner surface 5 opposite the outer surface 3.

[0026] The assembly element 1 forms, for example, an instrument panel, a central console, a seat, a door panel, etc. installed in a vehicle compartment. As a variant, the assembly element 1 according to the present invention forms a display module, which can be integrated into another assembly element, such as an instrument panel, etc.

[0027] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the assembly element 1 is intended to extend in a vehicle, for example, forming part of the instrument panel of the vehicle.

[0028] Hereinafter, the terms "inner" and "interior" refer to the side facing the part on which the assembly element in the compartment should be mounted, as opposed to the terms "outer" and "external", which refer to the outside of the assembly element, that is, the side facing the vehicle compartment.

[0029] The outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1 forms the surface of the assembly element 1 that can be seen by the passengers of the vehicle from the interior of the vehicle compartment.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the assembly element 1 includes a support element 6, the inner surface of which forms the inner surface 5 of the assembly element. The support element 6 is, for example, used to be mounted on a frame part of the vehicle. The support element 6 provides stability and firmness for the assembly element 1 and forms an interface of the assembly element 1 that allows it to be fixed to the environment in the vehicle.

[0031] The assembly element 1 includes a display area 7 that forms at least a part of the outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1. The outer surface 3 can have any desired shape. In particular, the outer surface 3, especially the display area 7, has, for example, a three-dimensional shape. In other words, the display area 7 has, for example, a curved surface, which adds an aesthetic decorative effect to the assembly element 1.

[0032] The display area 7 is defined by a multi-layer display device 10 extending between the outer surface 3 and the inner surface 5 of the assembly element 1. "Defined" means that the area of the outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1 corresponding to the display device 10 forms the display area 7.

[0033] The display device 10 includes a light source described below to provide backlight for the display area 7.

[0034] The display device 10 forms, for example, a screen and / or a dynamic lighting animation unit. The display device 10 can be used to project lighting information to the passengers of a vehicle, such as lighting information related to certain functions of the vehicle (multimedia management, adjustment of the attempted temperature, etc.) or even related to the driving of the vehicle (vehicle speed, fuel level, turning on of lights, etc.).

[0035] The display device 10 is multi-layered. That is, it is formed by a plurality of layers stacked on top of each other, for example, obtained by plastic screen printing, especially by screen printing on polyvinyl chloride. The manufacturing method of such a display device 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0036] In a specific example, each layer of the display device 10 has a thickness between 50 microns and 500 microns.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 10 includes a decorative layer 12 that forms the outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1. The decorative layer 12 gives the assembly element 1 its aesthetic appearance. For example, the decorative layer 12 is a particulate, smoked outer layer, made of a textile or non-woven fabric, colored or even colorless. The decorative layer 12 has a transmittance between 1% and 40%, preferably between 5% and 15%, to allow light to pass from its inner surface to its outer surface, towards the interior of the cabin, as will be described in more detail later.

[0038] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the example shown, the display device 10 includes a translucent layer 15 inserted between the inner surface 5 and the decorative layer 12. For example, the translucent layer 15 is in direct contact with the decorative layer 12 on at least a part of the inner surface of the decorative layer 12. The translucent layer 15 is, for example, directly printed on the decorative layer 12 by plastic screen printing. The translucent layer 15 provides mechanical strength to the display device 10. The translucent layer 15 is optional.

[0039] In a specific exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the display device 10 includes one or more covers 17. The cover 17 is, for example, directly positioned in contact with the translucent layer 15, towards the inner surface 5 of the assembly element 1. The cover 17 can be used to obtain a clear outline of the backlight pattern on the display area 7 through the light source of the display device 10. Therefore, such a cover 17 is formed by opaque regions that block light from passing towards the translucent layer 15 and one or more openings that allow light to pass towards the translucent layer 15. The shape of the one or more openings allows defining the outline of the pattern that is desired to be displayed on the display area 7. The one or more patterns, for example, represent the information displayed on the display area 7 by forming pictograms.

[0040] The display device 10 includes a diffusion layer 18, which is interposed, for example, between the inner surface 5 and the translucent layer 15 or between the inner surface 5 and the decorative layer 12 when appropriate. As will be described in more detail later, the diffusion layer 18 is arranged to diffuse light towards the interior of the cabin and particularly towards the eyes of the vehicle passengers.

[0041] The display device 10 further includes an emission layer 20 arranged to illuminate the display area 7. The emission layer 20 forms the light source of the display device 10 to backlight the display area 7. The emission layer 20 is at least partially encapsulated within the diffusion layer 18, on one side of the inner surface 25 of the diffusion layer 18. In other words, the emission layer 20 is not disposed on the diffusion layer 18 where there is a plane - plane contact between the inner surface 25 of the diffusion layer 18 and the outer surface of the emission layer 20, but the emission layer 20 is at least partially integrated into the diffusion layer 18, that is to say, the material forming the diffusion layer 18 surrounds at least a part of the emission layer 12, or in other words, a part of the emission layer 20 is "embedded" in the diffusion layer 18. The method of encapsulating the emission layer 20 within the diffusion layer 18 will be described later.

[0042] The emission layer 20 is encapsulated within the diffusion layer 18, and the distance between the light source of the display device 10 and the diffusion layer 18 is minimized. Then, the resolution of the image displayed on the display area 7 is maximized. For example, the resolution of the image displayed on the display area 7 is between 30 ppp and 300 ppp, preferably substantially equal to 150 ppp.

[0043] The first embodiment will now be described, with reference to Figure 1 . In this embodiment, the emission layer 20 includes a support layer 22. In order to emit light, a plurality of light - emitting diodes and / or micro - light - emitting diodes 24 are printed on the support layer 22, more specifically on the outer surface of the support layer 22. The diodes 24 are thus at least partially encapsulated within the diffusion layer 18. More specifically, the diodes 24 extend in a convex manner from the outer surface of the support layer 22 towards the outside and are inserted into the diffusion layer 18 such that the material of the diffusion layer 18 surrounds the diodes 24. According to the embodiment, all each diode 24 extends within the diffusion layer 18 except that its inner surface 25 abuts against the support layer 22.

[0044] According to the embodiment, the support layer 22 itself is partially integrated into the inner surface 25 of the diffusion layer 18.

[0045] For example, according to the required image size and resolution, diodes 24 corresponding to a number of pixels between 1 and 1 million, preferably between 10,000 pixels and 100,000 pixels, are printed on the support layer 22.

[0046] The second embodiment will now be described, with reference to Figure 2。Only the features that are different from the first embodiment are described below. Therefore, all features not described below are considered to be similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the emission layer 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or micro light-emitting diodes 26 printed directly on the inner surface 25 of the diffusion layer 18. The diodes 26 are thus at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer 18 of this layer, that is to say, the material of the diffusion layer 18 surrounds at least a part of each diode 26. In the embodiment, all each diode 26 extends in the diffusion layer 18 except for its inner surface 25. For example, depending on the desired image size and resolution, diodes 24 corresponding to a number of pixels between 1 and 1 million, preferably between 10,000 pixels and 100,000 pixels, are printed on the diffusion layer 18.

[0048] The diffusion layer 18 allows the coordination of the light emitted by the diodes 24, 26 to improve the illumination of the display area 7.

[0049] The power supply system (not shown) of the diodes 24, 26 is provided in the display device 10 to connect the emission layer 20 to a power supply, for example, present in a vehicle.

[0050] All or part of the diodes 24, 26 can be activated by a passenger of the vehicle or by a control unit (not shown) to present a pattern or set projection light points on the display area 7. The pattern represents, for example, the icon features of the functions of the vehicle.

[0051] Independently of the above different embodiments, the assembly element 1 further includes, for example, a reflective layer 30. The reflective layer 30 is provided, for example, between the emission layer 20 and the inner surface 5 of the assembly element 1. In particular, the reflective layer 30 is, for example, printed directly in contact with the emission layer 20. The reflective layer 30 reflects the light emitted by the emission layer 20 towards the outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1. Therefore, the reflective layer 30 reflects the light emitted by the emission layer 20 towards the interior to direct this light towards the exterior and concentrate the light rays towards the outer surface 3 of the assembly element 1. This increases the brightness of the image displayed on the display area 7. The user thus perceives a sufficiently illuminated image on the image display area 7.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the display device 10 finally includes a holding layer 33 provided between the reflective layer 30 and the inner surface 5 of the assembly element 1. The holding layer 33 imparts a certain resistance and mechanical stability to the display device 10. In Figure 1 and 2 In a specific example, the holding layer 33 is printed directly in contact with the inner surface of the reflective layer 30.

[0053] Thus, the display device 10 formed by the above different layers forms a unit as a whole, which can then be added to and / or assembled with any part of the cabin of a vehicle or even with an integrated part of a component of a house. The display device 10 thus has a total thickness, i.e., from its inner surface to its outer surface, for example, between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, preferably substantially equal to 0.5 mm.

[0054] Therefore, the display device 10 has a particularly small space occupancy while providing an optimal backlit display area 7.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly element 1 includes a flexible layer 36, and the display device 10 is assembled on the flexible layer 36 by gluing, specifically, the inner surface of the display device 10, and even more specifically the inner surface of the holding layer 33 is adhered to the flexible layer 36. The flexible layer 36 is, for example, a foam layer or a fabric layer, for example formed by a combination of wires perpendicular to the assembly surface of the flexible layer 36 and the display device 10. The flexible layer 36 provides comfort for the passengers of the vehicle, which is different from the screen formed by a window, and the screen formed by a window has a more rigid feel characteristic and is therefore less pleasant for the passengers of the vehicle.

[0056] Flexibility means that when pressure is applied to one surface of the flexible layer, the flexible layer 36 deforms, and the pressure is, for example, applied by the finger of a user.

[0057] The flexible layer 36 itself is assembled with the support element 6 of the assembly element 1.

[0058] Now, a manufacturing method of the assembly element 1 as described above will be described independently of different embodiments.

[0059] The first step of the manufacturing method of the assembly element 1 as described above includes the manufacturing of the display device 10.

[0060] Each layer of the display device 10 is made of a plastic material and is printed and baked in sequence by plastic screen printing to cure the plastic material.

[0061] For example, the plastic material used is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0062] In Figure 1 and 2 the exemplary embodiment of, the first printed layer is the decorative layer 12. Then the decorative layer 12 is baked at a temperature between 150 °C and 180 °C, preferably substantially equal to 170 °C, for a duration between 30 seconds and 50 seconds, preferably substantially equal to 40 seconds, in order to cure.

[0063] In a continuous manner, each subsequent layer of the display device 10 is printed on the previous layer in a liquid or viscous state towards the inner surface 5 of the assembly element 1 in sequence and then heated to cure. Since each layer is printed with liquid or viscous PVC, it can adhere directly to the previous layer without the need to add glue between the layers.

[0064] When the diffusion layer 18 is printed on, for example, the translucent layer 15, it is not directly baked. First, the emission layer 20 is printed on the still liquid or viscous diffusion layer 18 to encapsulate the emission layer 20 within the diffusion layer 18. In other words, when the emission layer 20 is printed on the inner surface 25 of the diffusion layer 18, the material of the emission layer 20 is at least partially intercalated into the material of the diffusion layer 18.

[0065] When the desired encapsulation of the emission layer 20 within the diffusion layer 18 is achieved, the diffusion layer 18 and the emission layer 20 are baked together to consolidate the intercalation of the emission layer 20 within the diffusion layer 18 before continuing to print subsequent layers.

[0066] Finally, when the last layer of the display device 10 is printed and baked, especially when the retaining layer 33 is printed and baked, the display device is assembled with the flexible layer 36. For example, the retaining layer 33 is glued to the flexible layer 36, for example, by spraying an adhesive onto the retaining layer 33 and / or the flexible layer 36.

[0067] Finally, the display device 10 and the flexible layer 36 are assembled with the support element 6.

[0068] In a variant not shown, the display device 10 further includes functional capabilities such that a passenger of the vehicle can interact with the display device 10 to control certain functions of the vehicle. Thus, the display device 10 includes a set of capacitive and / or piezoelectric sensors assembled on the emission layer 20. Thus, the necessary connections for powering the diodes 24, 26 on the one hand and for communication and / or receiving information from the capacitive and / or piezoelectric sensors on the other hand are grouped in the same layer of the display device 10. Thus, this facilitates the assembly of the display device 10.

[0069] This assembly element 1 has many advantages.

[0070] Firstly, the described display device 10 allows for limiting the space occupied by the assembly element 1 and in the vehicle by the different layers that make it up and due to the small thickness of each layer. Furthermore, the production cost of the assembly element 1 is thus reduced.

[0071] In addition, due to the relative positions of the emission layer and the diffusion layer, and especially due to the small distance separating them, the resolution of the displayed image is improved. The reflective layer also allows the light from the emission layer to be returned and concentrated towards the outer surface of the assembly element, and thus optimizes the brightness and clarity of the image displayed on the display area.

[0072] The assembly element 1 is fully integrated into the vehicle's cabin and thus presents a new aesthetic appearance to the vehicle's passengers. Specifically, when the display device is not activated, the assembly element has an aesthetically pleasing and uniform outer surface, and the transition between the display area 7 and the outer surface extending around the display area is invisible to the vehicle's passengers.

Claims

1. An assembly element (1) comprising a display area (7) forming at least a part of the outer surface (3) of the assembly element (1), the display area (7) being defined by a multi-layer display device (10) extending between the outer surface (3) of the assembly element (1) and an inner surface (5) opposite the outer surface (3), the display device (10) comprising at least one diffusion layer (18) and an emission layer (20) extending from the outer surface (3) towards the inner surface (5), the emission layer (20) being arranged to illuminate the display area (7) and the diffusion layer (18) being arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the emission layer (20). Characterized in that, The emission layer (20) is at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer (18).

2. The assembly element (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The emission layer (20) comprises a support layer (22) and a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or micro light-emitting diodes (24) printed on the support layer (22), the diodes (24) being at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer (18).

3. The assembly element (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The emission layer (20) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or micro light-emitting diodes (26) printed on the inner surface (25) of the diffusion layer (18), the diodes (26) being at least partially encapsulated in the diffusion layer (18).

4. The assembly element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The assembly element (1) comprises a reflective layer (30) arranged between the emission layer (20) and the inner surface (5), the reflective layer (30) reflecting the light emitted by the emission layer (20) towards the outer surface (3) of the assembly element (1).

5. The fitting element (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The assembly element (1) comprises a support layer (33) arranged between the reflective layer (30) and the inner surface (5), the support layer (33) imparting mechanical properties to the display device (10).

6. The assembly element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The assembly element (1) comprises a decorative layer (12) forming the outer surface (3) of the assembly element (1), the decorative layer (12) having a transmittance between 1% and 40%.

7. The assembly element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The assembly element (1) comprises a flexible layer (36), the inner surface (5) of the display device (10) being combined with the flexible layer (36) by gluing.

8. The assembly element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The display area (7) has a three-dimensional shape.

9. The assembly element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each layer of the multi-layer display device (10) is manufactured by plastic screen printing.

10. A manufacturing method for manufacturing an assembly element (1), the assembly element being the assembly element according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Printing and continuously baking each layer of the multi-layer display device (10) by screen printing from the outer surface (3) towards the inner surface (5), printing the emission layer (20) on the diffusion layer (18) before baking the diffusion layer (18).

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