Decorative element for a vehicle
By using opaque overlays and semi-transparent transmissive elements in vehicle trim components, the problems of blurred and worn backlit icons were solved, achieving clear light signal display and an aesthetically pleasing decorative effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
The backlit icons on existing vehicle trim elements appear blurry and have unclear outlines on the overlay, resulting in low contrast. Furthermore, the overlay is easily worn and contaminated by finger contact, affecting aesthetics and information readability.
An opaque cover layer and at least partially translucent transmission elements are employed. The transmission elements have a visible outer surface on the cover layer and are combined with a support element. The transmission elements are illuminated by a light source to provide a clear light signal, and a detection element is used for interactive operation.
Improved visibility and clarity of backlit icons, reduced dust and wear, and enhanced the aesthetics of decorative elements and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224528573U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a type of vehicle decorative element comprising at least one opaque covering extending between a lower surface and an upper surface, the upper surface being spaced apart from the lower surface in a thickness direction, the upper surface forming at least a portion of the surface of the decorative element visible from the interior of the vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Passenger vehicles offer users a wide range of functions for modifying certain vehicle-related parameters, such as interior climate conditions, interior lighting, or multimedia settings. Furthermore, modern vehicle occupants can access extensive information related to the vehicle (fuel level, headlight status, etc.), the external environment (weather, risk of icing, air pollution, etc.), and driving (vehicle speed, vehicle's geographical location, etc.).
[0003] Each feature or information item displayed to vehicle occupants is typically associated with one or more control devices and / or optical signals, which the user can operate to manage the feature or consult to retrieve information.
[0004] The control device takes the form of a button or knob, for example, or a touch-sensitive surface characterized by icons, which the user can interact with by touching it.
[0005] For example, the information displayed takes the form of an illuminated signal, usually an illuminated icon, which is configured to be visible to vehicle occupants at least when needed.
[0006] For example, it is known to illuminate icons on a dashboard overlay from behind to make them visible to vehicle occupants. To achieve good light transmission from a light source integrated into the trim elements to the visible outer surface of the overlay, the overlay is typically made of a translucent or transparent material.
[0007] However, this solution is not optimal because backlit icons often appear blurry and inaccurate on the visible outer surface of the overlay due to light scattering within the overlay. Additionally, such a solution typically results in low contrast between the displayed icons and the rest of the overlay. This makes it difficult for vehicle occupants to read information and / or locate control functions.
[0008] Furthermore, contact with the fingers of vehicle occupants attempting to control vehicle functions by interacting with icons on the overlay can quickly soil and / or wear away the visible outer surface of the overlay.
[0009] Such wear and tear reduces the quality of the image perceived by vehicle occupants and diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the trim. Utility Model Content
[0010] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a decorative element that improves the visibility of backlit images while retaining the aesthetic appeal of the decorative element.
[0011] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a decorative element for a vehicle, the decorative element comprising at least one opaque covering layer extending between a lower surface and an upper surface, the upper surface being spaced apart from the lower surface in the thickness direction, the upper surface forming at least a portion of the surface of the decorative element visible from the interior of the vehicle, the decorative element including a translucent transmissive element extending in the thickness direction through at least a portion of the covering layer, the transmissive element including a visible outer surface opening outward on the upper surface side of the covering layer and including a protruding portion protruding from the lower surface of the covering layer in the thickness direction.
[0012] Because the cover is opaque, dust and wear are less visible on it, thus preserving and improving the aesthetics of the decorative elements.
[0013] Furthermore, since the transmissive element is at least partially translucent, light can be effectively transmitted to its visible outer surface. The light then effectively passes through the transmissive element to reach its visible outer surface and is perceived by the vehicle occupants.
[0014] In addition, since the cover layer is opaque, light is not scattered outside the transmission element, thus providing a bright area with a clear outline, for example, corresponding to the outline of the transmission element.
[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of this utility model, the decorative element, individually or in any technically feasible combination, includes one or more of the following features:
[0016] - The cover layer includes at least one through opening in the thickness direction, through which a transmission element extends or through each through opening;
[0017] - The cross-section of the through opening in the cover layer in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is substantially equal to the cross-section of the transmission element in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.
[0018] - The cover layer includes multiple spaced micro-openings in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the cross-section of each micro-opening in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is less than 20% of the cross-section of the transmission element in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction;
[0019] - The cover layer is permeable, and the transmission element is impregnated with the cover layer from the top surface to the bottom surface;
[0020] - The decorative element includes a support element extending between an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being spaced apart from the outer surface in the thickness direction, a covering layer extending at least partially on the outer surface of the support element, the support element including an opening extending in the thickness direction, the opening at least opening to the outer surface of the support element, and an extension portion of a transmissive element being introduced into at least a portion of the opening of the support element.
[0021] - The decorative element includes a light source integrated into a support element facing at least a portion of the transmissive element, the light source being configured to illuminate the transmissive element from behind, the transmissive element transmitting at least a portion of the light from the light source to the visible outer surface of the transmissive element;
[0022] - The transmission element and / or support element include at least one detection element configured to detect user pressure on the transmission element; and
[0023] - Print at least one decorative element on the visible outer surface of the transmissive element.
[0024] This utility model also relates to a method for manufacturing decorative elements, the method comprising the following steps:
[0025] - Provide an opaque overlay extending between a lower surface and an upper surface, the upper surface being spaced apart from the lower surface in the thickness direction.
[0026] - Injection molding or additive manufacturing of at least partially translucent transmissive elements through a cover layer, such that the transmissive elements are formed on a visible outer surface that opens outward on the upper surface side of the cover layer and include an extension portion that extends from the lower surface of the cover layer in the thickness direction. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The present invention will become clearer when reading the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a decorative element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a decorative element according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and
[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a decorative element according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0031] refer to Figure 1It describes a decorative element 10 that extends between an outer surface 13 and an inner surface 15, the inner surface being opposite the outer surface 13 in the thickness direction E.
[0032] Decorative element 10 forms, for example, a dashboard, center console, seats, door panels, etc., installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, according to the present invention, decorative element 10 forms a display module, which can be integrated into another decorative element, such as a dashboard.
[0033] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, decorative element 10 is intended to extend into the vehicle, for example, to form part of the vehicle's dashboard.
[0034] In the following text, the terms “inner” and “lower” refer to the part facing the passenger compartment on which the decorative elements are to be installed, while the terms “outer” and “upper” refer to the part facing away from the decorative elements (that is, the part facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle).
[0035] The outer surface 13 of the decorative element 10 forms the surface of the decorative element 10 that is visible from the inside of the passenger compartment to the vehicle occupants.
[0036] According to one embodiment, the decorative element 10 further includes a support element 18 extending between an outer surface 20 and an inner surface 22, the inner surface being away from the outer surface 20 along the thickness direction E.
[0037] The inner surface 22 of the support element 18 forms at least a portion of the inner surface 15 of the decorative element 10.
[0038] The support element 18 is designed to be mounted, for example, on the frame portion of the vehicle. The support element 18 provides stability and strength to the trim element 10 and forms a mating portion for the trim element 10, allowing the trim element to be attached to its surroundings within the vehicle.
[0039] For example, the support element 18 is at least partially made of an opaque plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS).
[0040] Decorative element 10 includes an opaque overlay 25 extending between a lower surface 27 and an upper surface 29, the upper surface being spaced apart from the lower surface 27 in the thickness direction E.
[0041] The upper surface 29 forms at least a portion of the outer surface 13 of the decorative element 10. In this way, the upper surface 29 forms at least a portion of the surface of the decorative element 10 that is visible from the interior of the vehicle.
[0042] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the cover layer 25 extends at least partially over the outer surface 20 of the support element 18. Specifically, the lower surface 27 of the cover layer extends at least partially over the outer surface 20 of the support element 18. The cover layer 25 is attached to the outer surface 20 of the support element 18, for example, by adhesive bonding.
[0043] Therefore, the cover layer 25 is applied, for example, to at least a portion of the outer surface 20 of the support element 18. In one particular embodiment, the cover layer 25 is applied to the entire outer surface 20 of the support element 18.
[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the cover layer 25 is formed of an optional deformable layer 32, such as foam or three-dimensional woven fabric (“spacer fabric”), which forms the lower portion of the cover layer 25, that is, forms the lower surface 27 of the cover layer 25 and is applied to the outer surface 20 of the support element 18.
[0045] The deformable layer 32 provides a comfortable feel for vehicle occupants, unlike decorative elements that include screens made of glass, which have a much harder sensory character and are therefore less comfortable for vehicle occupants.
[0046] In this example, the cover layer 25 includes an upper cover 34 that forms the upper portion of the cover layer 25, that is, forms the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25 and is applied to the deformable layer 32.
[0047] Covering 34 thus forms at least a portion of the surface of decorative element 10 visible from inside the vehicle.
[0048] In the absence of deformable layer 32, cover layer 25 consists only of cover 34, and cover 34 is applied directly to the outer surface 20 of support element 18.
[0049] Covering 34 may be a textile formed from woven or nonwoven natural or synthetic yarns, or a synthetic or natural outer skin, such as synthetic or natural leather. Covering 34 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane.
[0050] The capping layer 25 is opaque. In other words, incident light beams with wavelengths between 400 nm and 750 nm can pass through the capping layer 25 with a surface brightness value of less than 0.5 cd / m2.
[0051] The cover layer 25 thus conceals the support element 18 from the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment, thereby giving the decorative element 10 a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
[0052] Decorative element 10 includes at least one at least partially translucent light-transmitting element 38 that extends through cover layer 25 in the thickness direction E. As will be described in more detail later, the light-transmitting element or each light-transmitting element 38 is intended to be illuminated from behind by a light source to provide a visible light signal to vehicle occupants.
[0053] Below, a single transmissive element 38 is described in its context. This means that the decorative element 10 may include several similar transmissive elements 38, each extending along the thickness direction E through the cover layer 25.
[0054] The transmission element 38 includes a visible outer surface 40 open on the upper surface 29 side of the cover layer 25 and an extension portion 42 extending from the lower surface 27 of the cover layer 25 in the thickness direction E.
[0055] "At least partially translucent" is understood to mean that an incident light beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm is at least partially transmitted by the transmission element 38 from the protrusion 42 of the transmission element to the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element. In other words, an incident light beam with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm projected into the transmission element by the protrusion 42 of the transmission element 38 is transmitted through the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element 38 and has a surface brightness value greater than 1 cd / m2.
[0056] For example, the transmissive element 38 is made of an optical resin such as polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic, or polycarbonate. The transmissive element 38 thus has a soft appearance, providing a comfortable feeling to vehicle occupants when they touch the transmissive element 38, for example, with their fingers and more specifically, when they touch the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element.
[0057] "Open on the side of the upper surface 29" should be understood as indicating that the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element 38 forms part of the visible outer surface of the decorative element 10. In other words, the outer surface 13 of the decorative element 10 is partially formed by the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element 38 and partially formed by the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25 located outside the transmissive element 38.
[0058] The visible outer surface 40 may be flush with, for example, the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25, or recessed or protruding relative to the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25. For example, when the visible outer surface 40 is recessed, it forms a recess in the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25. Similarly, when the visible outer surface 40 is protruding, it forms a protrusion on the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25.
[0059] Therefore, for example, the transmissive element 38 can have a three-dimensional appearance, such as forming a button protruding from the upper surface 29. In this way, the transmissive element 38 can be easily identified by vehicle occupants.
[0060] For example, the protruding portion 42 extends beyond the lower surface 27 of the cover layer 25 by a distance greater than 0.1 mm, which is measured in the thickness direction E.
[0061] In this first embodiment, the cover layer 25 includes a through opening 45 along the thickness direction E, through which the transmission element 38 extends into the cover layer 25.
[0062] The through opening 45, for example, has a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E that is substantially equal to the cross-section of the transmission element 38 in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E, such that the transmission element 38 closes the through opening 45.
[0063] In other words, the through opening 45 receives the transmissive element 38 and allows the transmissive element to be exposed through each of the lower surface 27 and the upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25. “Receive” is understood to mean, during the manufacturing method of the decorative element 10, which will be described in detail later, that the transmissive element 38 is injected, for example, into the through opening 45 of the cover layer 25 so as to completely fill the through opening 45.
[0064] The transmission element 38 and the through opening 45 have a cross-section between 15 mm² and 100 mm², particularly between 30 mm² and 60 mm², in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E.
[0065] exist Figure 1 In the specific example shown, the support element 18 includes an opening 48 that extends along the thickness direction E and leads at least to the outer surface 20 of the support element 18.
[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the opening 48 is a through opening in the thickness direction E and is positioned to be at least partially opposite to the transmission element 38 in the thickness direction E, and in particular opposite to the through opening 45 of the cover layer 25.
[0067] Specifically, the protruding portion 42 of the transmission element 38 is inserted into at least a portion of the opening 48 of the support element 18.
[0068] As will be described in more detail later, this is a key advantage during the assembly of the cover layer 25 with the support element 18. The cover layer 25 can then be quickly and easily positioned on the support element 18 by positioning the protrusion 42 of the transmission element 38 and guiding it to the opening 48 of the support element 18. This achieves automatic centering of the cover layer 25 on the support element 18 and rapid positioning of the cover layer 25 on the support element 18.
[0069] Furthermore, since the protrusion 42 is inserted into at least a portion of the opening 48 of the support element 18, good light transmission between the protrusion 42 and the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element 38 is ensured, and there is no light leakage between the support element 18 and the cover layer 25.
[0070] In one particular embodiment, in addition to or instead of adhesive bonding, the cover layer 25 is attached to the support element 18 through the engagement of the transmission element 38 with the opening 48 of the support element 18.
[0071] As previously stated, the transmissive element 38 is designed to be illuminated from behind by a light source to provide a light signal visible to the vehicle occupants through the opaque covering layer 25.
[0072] For this purpose, decorative element 10 includes, for example, a light source 50, which is integrated into support element 18 and positioned opposite at least a portion of transmission element 38.
[0073] For example, light source 50 is a light-emitting diode.
[0074] Due to the position of the light source 50, it is configured to illuminate the transmission element 38 from behind, that is, to inject light emitted by the light source 50 into the protruding portion 42 of the transmission element 38. At least a portion of the light beam received from the light source 50 is transmitted through the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element 38. Therefore, the transmission element 38 is backlit and transmits light into the vehicle interior.
[0075] Since the support element 18 is opaque, it acts as a "lightbox" to guide light from the light source 50 toward the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element 38, limiting unwanted light scattering within the support element 18 itself.
[0076] In this way, the intensity of the light beam received and transmitted by the visible outer surface 40 is preserved, allowing vehicle occupants to see a strongly luminous area that contrasts sharply with the rest of the opaque covering layer 25.
[0077] In one particular example, in order to specify information to be displayed for vehicle occupants, at least one decorative element 55 is printed on the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element 38.
[0078] Decorative element 55 is, for example, an opaque mask arranged on the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element 38 to define a precise outline when the transmissive element 38 is illuminated from behind by the light source 50.
[0079] Decorative elements 55, for example, define icons that indicate certain vehicle-related information (fuel level, headlight status, etc.) or certain vehicle functions (management of multimedia devices, temperature control inside the vehicle, etc.).
[0080] For example, decorative elements 55 are indirectly printed on the visible outer surface 40 of the transmissive element 38, for example by pad printing or by an "in-mold decoration" process, that is, by placing the decorative elements 55 against the molded surface of the injection cavity of the transmissive element 38 and injecting the transmissive element 38 into the cover layer 25 against the decorative elements 55.
[0081] In a particular embodiment, the cover layer 25 is at least locally touch-sensitive, for example, around the transmissive element 38, so that vehicle occupants can control certain vehicle functions by interacting with the cover layer 25, and in particular with the transmissive element 38.
[0082] For this purpose, the transmission element 38 and / or the support element 18 include at least one detection element 60, which is configured to detect user pressure on the transmission element 38.
[0083] For example, Figure 1 Two types of detection elements 60 are shown, which can be used individually or in combination. The first detection element 60 is, for example, a capacitive membrane, piezoelectric membrane, or other membrane 62 disposed on the transmission element 38 (e.g., disposed on the protrusion 42 of the transmission element 38). The second detection element 60 is, for example, a force sensor 64 integrated into the support element 18, for example, located near the opening 48.
[0084] Because the transmission element 38 is made of a relatively flexible plastic material, the pressure on the visible outer surface 40 of the transmission element can be detected by the detection element 60 located on the side of the protrusion 42. Alternatively, the pressure can also be detected by an infrared emitter / receiver element on a circuit board (not shown) carrying the light source 50.
[0085] By communicating with a control unit (not shown), the detection element or each detection element 60 detects the user pressing the transmission element 38 and transmits the received signal to the control unit in order to control the functions associated with the transmission element 38.
[0086] The method for manufacturing the decorative element 10 as described above will now be described.
[0087] Initially, an opaque overlay 25 is provided, and the opaque overlay extends between the lower surface 27 and the upper surface 29.
[0088] Optionally, a support element 18 is also initially provided.
[0089] In the first embodiment described so far, the cover layer 25 is first perforated to create a through hole 45.
[0090] The material constituting the transmission element 38 is heated to a temperature between 150° and 300° (e.g., depending on its properties) to obtain the transmission element 38 in a liquid or viscous state.
[0091] For example, the heated transmission element 38 is injected into the through opening 45 of the cover layer 25 using a standard plastic injection molding method. In particular, the transmission element 38 is injected through the end of the through opening 45 that is open on the upper surface 29 side of the cover layer 25 until it is open on the lower surface 27 side of the cover layer 25.
[0092] During injection, the lower surface 27 and upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25 are pressed toward each other in the thickness direction E, for example away from the through opening 45, so as to guide the injected transmissive element 38 through the through opening 45 of the cover layer 25.
[0093] Continue injection until the transmission element 38 is formed on the visible outer surface 40 of the upper surface 29 side of the cover layer 25 and the protruding portion 42 extending from the lower surface 27 of the cover layer 25 in the thickness direction E.
[0094] Once the injection is complete, the transmissive element 38 will cool and solidify.
[0095] When the decorative element 10 includes a support element 18, the support element is connected to the cover layer 25.
[0096] The outer surface 20 of the support element 18 and / or the lower surface 27 of the cover layer 25 are pre-coated with an adhesive layer, such as glue.
[0097] Advantageously, the protruding portion 42 of the transmission element 38 guides the cover layer 25 on the outer surface 20 of the support element 18 until the protruding portion 42 is correctly positioned in the opening 48 of the support element 18, which means that the cover layer 25 is correctly positioned on the outer surface 20 of the support element 18.
[0098] In a variant not shown, the opening 48 in the support element 18 does not pass through along the thickness direction E, but opens outward only through the outer surface 20 of the support element 18.
[0099] According to this variant, the support element 18 is opaque except that it is opposite to the opening 48 in the thickness direction E. In particular, the support element 18 includes a translucent portion located between the opening 48 and the light source 50 in the thickness direction E, so as to transmit light from the light source 50 to the protrusion 42 of the transmission element 38.
[0100] In another variant not shown, the transmissive element 38 is added to the cover layer 25 not by plastic injection but by additive manufacturing methods (such as 3D printing).
[0101] According to this variant, for example by changing the color of the material filament used for printing, the transmissive element 38 and the decorative element 55 in the cover layer 25 can be printed simultaneously.
[0102] The additively manufactured transmissive element 38 can be easily adapted to the cover layer 25 and the icons to be displayed on the transmissive element 38.
[0103] refer to Figure 2 A second embodiment of the decorative element 100 according to the present invention will now be described.
[0104] In the following text, decorative element 100 is similar to decorative element 10, and only those features that differ from the first embodiment will be described below. Therefore, similar features will not be described and will have the same reference numerals.
[0105] In this embodiment, the cover layer 25 includes a plurality of through micro-openings 70, which are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction E. For example, the cover layer 25 includes 10 to 100 micro-openings for each transmission element 38.
[0106] The cross-section of each through-micro opening 70 in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E is less than 20% of the cross-section of the transmission element 38 in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E.
[0107] For example, each through-micro opening 70 has a cross-section of less than 3 mm², particularly about a tenth of a square millimeter.
[0108] In the same manner as described above, each through-micro-opening 70 receives the transmissive element 38 and allows the transmissive element to be exposed through each of the lower surface 27 and upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25. "Receive" is understood to mean that during the manufacturing process of the decorative element 10, the transmissive element 38 is, for example, simultaneously injected into each through-micro-opening 70 of the cover layer 25. Thus, each micro-opening is sealed by the transmissive element 38.
[0109] This design effectively "anchors" the transmissive element 38 within the cover layer 25.
[0110] To this end, the cover layer 25 is perforated before the injection transmission element 38 to create each through micro-opening 70.
[0111] refer to Figure 3 The third embodiment of the decorative element 200 according to the present invention will now be described.
[0112] In the following text, decorative element 200 is similar to decorative element 10, and only those features that differ from the first embodiment will be described below. Therefore, similar features will not be described and will have the same reference numerals.
[0113] In this embodiment, the cover layer 25 does not include a through opening.
[0114] The cover layer 25 is permeable, and the transmission element 38 is impregnated with the cover layer 25 from the upper surface 29 to the lower surface 27.
[0115] Preferably, in this embodiment, the covering 34 is a textile with its mesh arranged to increase the permeability of the covering layer 25.
[0116] Also preferably, the transmission element 38 is made of polyurethane, which has a lower viscosity than polycarbonate and allows for better impregnation into the cover layer 25.
[0117] In this embodiment, the pressure applied to the lower surface 27 and upper surface 29 of the cover layer 25 outside the region where the transmissive element 38 is injected reduces the permeability of the cover layer 25 outside the region where the transmissive element 38 is injected. This restricts the diffusion of the transmissive element in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E when the transmissive element 38 is injected into the cover layer 25 in a liquid or viscous state.
[0118] As referenced above Figures 1 to 3 The decorative elements 10, 100, and 200 described above offer many advantages.
[0119] Because the cover layer 25 is opaque, dust and wear are less visible compared to a completely translucent cover layer, thus preserving and improving the aesthetics of the decorative element.
[0120] Furthermore, since the transmissive element 38 is semi-transparent, it transmits light effectively and locally (that is, clearly and strongly) to its visible outer surface. Vehicle occupants then perceive bright, clear, and high-contrast icons relative to the opaque overlay 25 and enjoy an enhanced visual experience.
[0121] The engagement of the protruding portion of the transmissive element with the opening in the support element ensures easy positioning of the cover layer on the support element during the assembly of the decorative element, which can be automatic, for example.
[0122] Finally, the presence of the detection element allows the transmission element to be functionalized by giving it tactile properties, thereby enabling vehicle occupants to control certain vehicle functions by contacting the transmission element.
Claims
1. A decorative element for a vehicle, the decorative element comprising at least one opaque covering layer (25) extending between a lower surface (27) and an upper surface (29), the upper surface being spaced apart from the lower surface (27) in a thickness direction (E), the upper surface (29) forming at least a portion of the surface of the decorative element visible from the interior of the vehicle. Its features are, The decorative element includes a translucent element (38) that extends at least partially through the cover layer (25) in the thickness direction (E), the translucent element (38) including a visible outer surface (40) that opens outward on the upper surface (29) side of the cover layer (25) and including a protruding portion (42) that protrudes from the lower surface (27) of the cover layer (25) in the thickness direction (E).
2. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover layer (25) includes at least one through opening (45) in the thickness direction (E), and the transmission element (38) extends through the through opening or each through opening (45).
3. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the through opening (45) of the cover layer (25) in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (E) is substantially equal to the cross-section of the transmission element (38) in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (E).
4. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover layer (25) includes a plurality of spaced through micro-openings (70) in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (E), and the cross-section of each micro-opening (70) in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (E) is less than 20% of the cross-section of the transmission element (38) in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (E).
5. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover layer (25) is permeable, and the transmission element (38) is impregnated with the cover layer (25) from the upper surface (29) to the lower surface (27).
6. The decorative element of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The decorative element includes a support element (18) extending between an outer surface (20) and an inner surface (22), the inner surface being spaced apart from the outer surface (20) in the thickness direction (E), a cover layer (25) extending at least partially on the outer surface (20) of the support element (18), the support element (18) including an opening (48) extending in the thickness direction (E) at least to the outer surface (20) of the support element, and the protruding portion (42) of the transmissive element (38) being introduced into at least a portion of the opening (48) of the support element (18).
7. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The decorative element includes a light source (50) integrated into the support element (18) facing at least a portion of the transmissive element (38), the light source (50) being configured to illuminate the transmissive element (38) from behind, the transmissive element (38) transmitting at least a portion of the light from the light source (50) onto the visible outer surface (40) of the transmissive element (38).
8. The decorative element for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission element (38) and / or the support element (18) include at least one detection element (60) configured to detect user pressing the transmission element (38).
9. The decorative element of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, At least one decorative element (55) is printed on the visible outer surface (40) of the transmissive element (38).