Interior trim panel for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a trim panel (1) within the interior trim of a motor vehicle, comprising decorative elements (3) that stand out at least visually from a base surface (2), wherein the decorative elements (3) can be changed in their position relative to the base surface (2) by means of at least one actuator (9, 11, 12, 13). The trim panel according to the invention is characterized in that the decorative elements (3) comprise radial shafts (4) extending from a central support (5), wherein the central support (5) is rotatable by a first actuator (9) about an axis of rotation arranged perpendicular to the base surface (2) and centrally to the support (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trim part for the interior of a motor vehicle with at least one decorative element that stands out visually from a base surface, according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Trim panels with decorative elements are generally known from the prior art. Such decorative elements can visually distinguish themselves from the base surface of the trim panel, for example, by having a different color. Additionally or alternatively, the decorative element can also differ structurally from the base surface, for example, by projecting beyond it and / or having an alternative surface finish or texture. Such trim panels can be used for the exterior or, in particular, for the interior, i.e., the passenger compartment, of vehicles.

[0003] From DE 10 2017 222 957 A1, a component with a translucent, shape-changing surface is known. The surface consists of a film whose shape can be changed by actuators, such as stamps. The component can be used as a trim part for the interior trim of a motor vehicle.

[0004] EP 3 475 122 B1 describes an illuminated decorative element in a door panel of a motor vehicle, which can be moved manually.

[0005] Furthermore, reference can be made to DE 10 2009 056 214 A1. This shows an illuminated trim part for a motor vehicle in which one of the parts is movable, wherein the light energy is transmitted via a light guide that couples in and out during movement, so that illumination is ensured at least in one position of the movable element.

[0006] DE 10 2013 113 319 B3 shows an illuminated ventilation nozzle. DE 199 47 208 A1 describes a swiveling device for lighting or a ventilation nozzle.

[0007] A rotatable display is known from FR 30 67 993 A1. DE 10 2015 007 240 A1 describes a display that can be moved in at least two positions.

[0008] An illuminated dial describes DE 10 2008 055 694 A1.

[0009] Furthermore, a device for displaying visual content on a screen is known from EP 1 486 936 A1. In this device, the visual content is applied to the screen and backlit with luminous elements of a suitable color for display.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to create an improved trim part for the interior of a motor vehicle, which enables a high-quality appearance and an innovative vehicle interior.

[0011] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cladding part having the features in claim 1, and in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the cladding part according to the invention are described in the further dependent claims.

[0012] The body panel for a motor vehicle comprises several decorative elements that visually stand out from a base surface. The position of these decorative elements relative to the base surface can be changed by means of at least one actuator. According to the invention, the decorative elements comprise radial shafts or rods extending from a central support. The central support is rotatable about an axis of rotation arranged perpendicular to the base surface and centered on the support. A first actuator is provided for this purpose.

[0013] The cladding component according to the invention thus offers the possibility of providing a rotating element with radially outward-extending waves. These waves form a kind of beam which rotates together with the support. This enables a dynamic optical effect.

[0014] According to a highly advantageous embodiment of the cladding component, it can further be provided that at least one—preferably all—of the shafts can be rotated about their central axis via an additional actuator. In addition to the central support with its radially extending shafts, which thus radiate outwards, the shafts themselves, and preferably each shaft individually, can also be rotated about their own central axis. For this purpose, the additional actuator(s) can be fixedly connected to the support. According to a highly advantageous embodiment, the respective shaft can then be driven indirectly via a belt drive.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the shafts are arranged at uniform angular intervals around the circumference of the central support. This avoids or minimizes potential imbalances. In particular, three shafts—especially those of equal length or at least equal weight—can be arranged around the circumference of the central support to create the three-pointed star in the applicant's trademark logo, although this is purely an example.

[0016] A particularly advantageous embodiment further provides that at least one of the shafts is adorned with additional decorative elements. These can be rotationally symmetrical to the respective shaft. Such additional decorative elements enhance the visual appeal of the shafts, especially when they rotate around their own central axis. Preferably, these decorative elements can be arranged rotationally symmetrically around the corresponding shaft to avoid potential imbalances. For example, following the example above with three shafts, a ring can be used as decorative element for each shaft, centrally positioned around it and connected to it via three spokes. Several such rings can be arranged along the length of the shaft, optionally at varying distances and / or with varying diameters or widths.All elements can also be designed through their color and / or structure to create the desired visual effect and, in particular, to stand out from the base surface and / or the other decorative elements and / or the central support in the desired manner.

[0017] An exceptionally advantageous embodiment of the trim panel according to the invention provides that at least one of the shafts is designed as a hollow shaft, with the central opening of the hollow shaft in the area of ​​the support being connected to a source of fragrance. The decorative elements of the trim panel can thus serve not only as visual embellishment but can also be used to distribute fragrances in the vehicle's interior. For this purpose, at least one, preferably all, of the shafts are designed as hollow shafts, essentially as tubes, so that the fragrance is distributed in the surrounding area at the radially outer end of each shaft when it is supplied in the area of ​​the central support.

[0018] According to a highly advantageous further development, a reservoir containing a liquid fragrance and a pump for conveying and / or atomizing the fragrance can serve as the source. This fragrance, either still liquid or already atomized, can then enter the area of ​​the central support and from there reach the central openings of the hollow shafts, where the rotation of the central support facilitates its distribution as evenly as possible throughout the vehicle's interior.

[0019] The decorative elements, the support and / or the base can be at least partially illuminated or backlit in order to further enhance and improve the optical effect emanating from the movable decorative elements.

[0020] Preferably, the decorative elements are arranged in the interior trim or paneling of a vehicle. For example, the decorative elements can be arranged in the door trim within the driver's or front passenger's field of vision. In another embodiment, the decorative element is arranged in the dashboard or in the glove compartment lid. It is also possible to incorporate the decorative elements into the back of the front seats.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the cladding part according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0022] This shows: Fig. 1 a view of a possible embodiment of a cladding part according to the invention from a visible side; Fig. 2 a view of the in Fig. 1. Section showing the structure from the visible side; Fig. 3 an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 A representation of the drive mechanism for the decorative elements.

[0023] In the presentation of the Fig. 1 is a cladding element, designated as 1 in its entirety, recognizable from a visible side. It comprises a base surface 2 and visible decorative elements 3. These decorative elements 3 can move relative to the base surface 2, thus not only achieving a static optical decorative effect, but also creating an interesting alternative to such a static decorative element through dynamic movement.

[0024] The decorative elements 3 comprise – in the embodiment shown here, three – waves 4, which extend radially outwards from a central support 5. The central support 5 is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the base surface 2 of the cladding part 1, which is arranged centrally with respect to the support 5. In the sectional view of the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the support 5 has a flange, designated 6, which is arranged above the base 2. The support 5 is pushed through an opening 7 in the base 2 and secured accordingly by a retaining ring 8. An electric motor serves as the first actuator 9, which drives the support 5 via a worm drive 10 and a toothed connection (not explicitly shown here) such that it rotates about the axis of rotation perpendicular to the base 2.

[0025] The shafts 4 shown here as examples, of which three are present and evenly spaced around the circumference of the support 5, can rotate about their respective central axes. Further actuators 11, 12, 13 are provided for this purpose, with actuator 13 only shown in the illustration discussed later. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4. The principle of this drive will now be explained using the example of actuator 11. This actuator has a pulley 14 on its driven shaft, which, via a belt 15 and another pulley 16 in the area of ​​shaft 4 running from the front left to the rear right, drives the shaft 4 rotationally around its central axis. A similar principle applies to the other shafts 4, which are also driven analogously by the other actuators 12 and 13 via a belt drive.

[0026] Both actuator 9 and the other actuators 11, 12, and 13 can be designed as electric motors. The actuators 11, 12, and 13, which rotate with the carrier 5, can be supplied with electrical power via sliding contacts. All actuators 9, 11, 12, and 13 can be controlled independently of one another with regard to speed and direction of rotation, thus enabling different speeds and / or directions of rotation, and therefore different optical patterns, for complex optical effects.

[0027] To make the rotating waves 4 even more interesting, as shown in the illustrations of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, additional decorative elements 17 are arranged on the shafts. These decorative elements 17 can be of various types. For example, different colored elements are conceivable. Furthermore, decorative stones, different surface textures, chrome-plated sections, and the like can be used. In the embodiment shown here, this decorative element 17 is formed, purely by way of example, by rings of different widths that are rotationally symmetrical to the central axis of the shafts 4 and are connected to the shafts 4 by three spokes each. This design is particularly advantageous and efficient in avoiding potential imbalances and ensuring a strong visual effect with easily controllable movement of the shafts 4.

[0028] Furthermore, a conduit 19 can be seen in the area of ​​the central axis of rotation of the support 5. Its purpose becomes particularly clear from the enlarged view in Fig. 3. This conduit 19 is rotatably mounted on the support 5 about the axis of rotation and is therefore stationary relative to the central axes of the shafts 4. It is, however, connected to central bores 18 in the shafts 4. These are thus designed as hollow shafts. This allows a fragrance, in particular a liquid or atomized perfume, to be supplied via the conduit 19, which is then distributed evenly from the conduit 19 into the bores 18 of the individual shafts 4, each of which has the same diameter. At the radially outer end of the shafts 4, relative to the axis of rotation of the support 5, this perfume then exits into the interior of the vehicle. Due to the rotational movement of the support 5, this exit occurs very evenly, so that the decorative elements 2, in addition to their visual effect, can also ensure a uniform fragrance of the vehicle's interior.

[0029] For this purpose, line 19 can be connected to a reservoir 20 for a perfume selected by the user, as well as to a pump 21 for dispensing and / or atomizing this perfume. The perfume is then distributed evenly throughout the vehicle's interior in the desired dosage, as described above.

[0030] As mentioned above, the presentation of the Fig. 4 The entire drive mechanism of the described assembly of the decorative elements 3 of the cladding part 1 is shown again in detail. The view here is analogous to the view in Fig. 1, but not from the visible side of the base 2, but from its rear. The base 2 is visible, as is the central support 5, which is secured by the retaining ring 8 in the opening 7 of the base 2 (not shown here). The actuator 9 is fixed in position or rotationally fixed relative to the base 2, for example, by a bracket, glued to it, or the like. Via its worm drive 10, it drives a toothed section (not shown here) of the central support 5, causing it to rotate about its central axis, which corresponds to the axis of rotation and in whose area the line 19 is visible. The further actuators 11, 12, 13, which are rotationally fixed to the support 5, rotate together with it. Their respective pulleys 14 are shown in the illustration. Fig.4 can be seen. These each form part of the belt drive, which drives the shafts 4 located on the opposite side of the base 2 as described above. The power supply to the further actuators 11, 12, 13 can be provided via sliding contacts (not shown).

[0031] In addition, the visual appearance can be further intensified by illumination or backlighting, for which, for example, light-emitting diodes can be arranged as direct or indirect lighting elements in the area of ​​the carrier 5, the shaft 4, the ornament 17 and / or the base 2. Here, too, it is conceivable to supply the lighting elements circumferentially around the carrier 5 with electrical power via sliding contacts, analogous to the power supply of the other actuators 11, 12, 13. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 222 957 A1

[0003] EP 3 475 122 B1

[0004] DE 10 2009 056 214 A1

[0005] DE 10 2013 113 319 B3

[0006] DE 199 47 208 A1

[0006] FR 30 67 993 A1

[0007] DE 10 2015 007 240 A1

[0007] DE 10 2008 055 694 A1

[0008] EP 1 486 936 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Trim part (1) within the trim in the interior of a motor vehicle with decorative elements (3) which stand out at least visually from a base surface (2), wherein the decorative elements (3) can be changed in their position relative to the base surface (2) via at least one actuator (9, 11, 12, 13), characterized by in that the decorative elements (3) comprise radial shafts (4) emanating from a central support (5), the central support (5) being rotatable by a first actuator (9) about an axis of rotation arranged perpendicular to the base surface (2) and centrally to the support (5). [2] Covering part (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the shafts (4) is rotatable about its central axis via a further actuator (11, 12, 13). [3] Covering part (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that each of the shafts (4) can be rotated about its central axis via a further actuator (11, 12, 13). [4] Covering part (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the further actuator(s) (11, 12, 13) are connected to the central support (5) in a rotationally fixed manner. [5] Covering part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the at least one shaft (4) can be driven via the at least one further actuator (11, 12, 13) via a belt drive. [6] Covering part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the shafts (4) are arranged at a uniform angular distance around the circumference of the central support (5). [7] Covering part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that further ornamentation (17) is arranged on at least one of the shafts (4), which ornamentation is in particular rotationally symmetrical to the respective shaft (4). [8] Covering part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat at least one of the shafts (4) is designed as a hollow shaft, wherein the central bore (18) of the hollow shaft is connected to a source of a fragrance in the region of the carrier (5). [9] Covering part (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the source of fragrance comprises a reservoir (20) for a liquid fragrance and a pump (21) for conveying and / or atomizing the fragrance. [10] Covering part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the decorative elements (3), the support (5) and / or the base surface (2) are at least partially illuminated or backlit.

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