Vehicle trim component and a method for manufacturing such a trim component

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle trim component (2) and a method for manufacturing this component. The trim component comprises: - a thermo-compressed support panel (4) having an opening (10) and a peripheral edge (12) surrounding the opening, - an airbag guide piece (6) having a channel (14) arranged in the opening of the support panel, a flap (16) closing at least partially one end of the channel, and a collar (18) arranged around the channel in line with the flap, the peripheral edge of the support panel being fixed against the collar, - a reinforcement frame (8) for fixing the position of the guide piece (6) relative to the support panel, the reinforcement frame being an added piece fitted around the channel and fixed to the peripheral edge of the support panel. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle trim component and a method of manufacturing such a trim component Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a trim or covering component for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a trim component.

[0002] State of the prior art The automotive industry is seeking to reduce the number of plastic parts and increasingly use parts made from more easily recyclable natural materials. To this end, trim components such as the dashboard are made from support panels containing natural fibers. It is necessary to attach airbag guide pieces to these support panels to meet safety requirements. However, in some panels, the guide piece is not securely attached. In other panels, the interface between the guide piece and the support panel is not flat.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to fix an airbag guide piece to a fiber support panel by a process of hot pressing and overmolding a reinforcement onto the support panel. However, this process is complicated and expensive because the mold is very complex and because only certain plastic materials can be used due to their adhesive capacity. In addition, the fact that the reinforcement is overmolded directly onto the support panel causes undesirable deformation of the support panel due to the shrinkage of the reinforcement during its cooling. Presentation of the invention

[0004] A first object of the invention is to securely fix an airbag guide piece to a fiber support panel. A second object of the invention is to fix an airbag guide piece to a support panel while maintaining a flat interface between the guide piece and the support panel.

[0005] A third object of the invention is to fix an airbag guide piece to a support panel at a precise position of the support panel. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim component, the trim component comprising: - a thermocompressed support panel provided with an opening and a peripheral edge- spherical surrounding the opening, - an airbag guide part comprising a channel arranged in the opening of the support panel, a flap closing at least in part a first end of the channel and a collar arranged around the channel in the extension of the flap, the peripheral edge of the support panel being fixed against the collar, characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcing frame suitable for fixing the position of the guide part relative to the support panel, the reinforcing frame being an added part fitted around the channel and fixed to the peripheral edge of the support panel.

[0007] The features set out in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another: The trim component includes: - a thermocompressed support panel provided with an opening and a peripheral edge surrounding the opening, - an airbag guide part comprising a channel arranged in the opening of the support panel, a flap closing at least in part a first end of the channel and a collar arranged around the channel in the extension of the flap, the peripheral edge of the support panel being fixed against the collar, characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcing frame suitable for fixing the position of the guide part relative to the support panel, the reinforcing frame being an added part fitted around the channel and fixed to the peripheral edge of the support panel. The channel is provided with at least one locking element capable of locking the reinforcement frame in abutment against the peripheral edge of the support panel. The at least one locking element comprises a resiliently interlocking fixing tab. The reinforcing frame comprises a ring extending in a plane parallel to the collar, and a skirt extending perpendicular to the ring and enclosing the channel. The at least one locking element bears against a free end of the skirt. The ring is adapted to press the peripheral edge of the support panel against the collar, the ring having an outer edge and a central opening defining an inner edge, and wherein the dimension of the ring defined between the inner edge and the outer edge is between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters and is preferably between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters. The periphery of the channel comprises ribs extending in an axial direction; the reinforcing frame extending at least partly against the ribs. The reinforcement frame holds the peripheral edge of the support panel against the flange. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a trim component for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the trim component comprising a thermocompressed support panel, a reinforcing frame and an airbag guide part comprising a channel, a flap at least partially closing a first end of the channel and a collar arranged around the channel in the extension of the flap, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the reinforcing frame inside a molding cavity of a first mold part, - heating a support panel; - place the heated support panel on the molding cavity of the first mold and on a part of the reinforcement frame; - cut an opening in the support panel opposite the reinforcement frame; - arranging the airbag guide piece in a molding cavity of a second mold part; - assembling the first mold part and the second mold part by inserting the channel of the guide piece into the opening of the support panel and into the reinforcement frame; - fixing the support panel to the collar and to a part of the reinforcement frame by compressing the second mold part against the first mold part. According to a particular embodiment, the channel of the guide part is provided with at least one locking element, and in which said at least one locking element deforms reversibly when the channel of the guide part is inserted into the opening of the support panel and into the reinforcement frame and then returns to its initial shape to lock the reinforcement frame in abutment against a peripheral edge of the support panel. Brief description of the figures

[0008] [Fig.l] is a partial schematic section of a vehicle trim component according to the invention;

[0009] [Fig.2] is an enlarged part of [Fig.l];

[0010] [Fig.3] is a section of a portion of the trim component shown in [Fig.l];

[0011] [Fig.4] is an enlarged portion of [Fig.2]; and

[0012] [Fig.5] is a diagram of the steps of the method of manufacturing a trim component according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0013] In the following description, the terms “high”, “low”, “lower” and "upper" are defined when the trim component according to the invention is arranged as illustrated in [Fig.l], and are in no way limiting. Referring to [Fig.l], the vehicle trim component 2 according to the invention comprises a support panel 4, an airbag guide piece 6, a decorative covering 7 fixed on the support panel and on a part of the guide piece 6 and a reinforcement frame 8 fixed under the support panel.

[0014] The trim component 2 is, for example, a vehicle dashboard or a part of a vehicle dashboard. Alternatively, the trim component 2 is a vehicle center console or a vehicle door panel.

[0015] The support panel 4 gives its geometric shape to the trim component 2.

[0016] The thermocompressed support panel 4 has a thickness of 1.4 millimeters. at 2.5 millimeters.

[0017] The support panel 4, the guide piece 6 and the reinforcement frame 8 are fixed to each other by hot compression.

[0018] The support panel 4 is provided with a through opening 10 and a peripheral edge 12 surrounding the opening. The support panel 4 is produced by thermocompression. For example, the support panel 4 is produced by hot pressing. The support panel 4 comprises fibers. The support panel 4 comprises, for example, natural fibers and a thermoplastic material. The natural fibers are, for example, hemp, wood, flax, kenaf, and / or sisal fibers, preferably wood fibers. The thermoplastic material is, for example, polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), preferably polypropylene (PP). The support panel 4 is, before the thermocompression step, in the form of a nonwoven mat comprising intermingled fibers. In a particular example, the nonwoven mat comprises intermingled natural fibers and thermoplastic fibers. The nonwoven mat is, for example, formed by needling the fibers.The non-woven mat has a thickness of 8 millimeters to 14 millimeters before the thermocompression step. The airbag guide part 6 comprises a channel 14, a flap 16 at least partially closing a first end 14A of the channel 14 and a collar 18 arranged around the channel in the extension of the flap 16. The second end of the channel, opposite the first end 14A, is referenced 14B.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the guide part 6 comprises several flaps 16 closing at least in part the first end of the channel 14, for example two flaps 16, as shown in [Fig.l].

[0020] The guide part 6 is preferably made in one piece by molding, for example by injection molding, of a plastic material. Channel 14 is arranged in opening 10 of support panel 4. It is gener- commonly called firing channel. Channel 14 delimits an internal passage for the deployment of the airbag in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The internal passage of channel 14 is opposite an external contour of channel 14.

[0021] The channel 14 is capable of guiding a safety airbag when it deploys. The channel 14 has a tubular shape. The channel 14 has, for example, a rectangular cross-section. The channel 14 comprises, for example, four walls opposite each other in pairs. The channel 14 extends around an axis AA. The channel 14 extends from the first end 14A of the channel 14 to the second end 14B of the channel 14. The channel comprises, in the vicinity of the second end 14B of the channel 14, in other words in its lower part, openings 20 in which a casing 22 is hooked. The casing 22 is also fixed to the channel 14 by fixing means not shown. The casing 22 contains a generator and an airbag. The generator is capable of generating the deployment of the airbag. The airbag is capable of deploying in the passenger compartment of the vehicle by passing through the channel 14, when the vehicle is subjected to an impact.

[0022] The periphery of the channel 14 comprises in its middle part, extending between the first end and the second end of the channel 14, locking elements 24 and / or ribs 26 shown schematically in the figures. By "periphery of the channel 14" is meant the external contour of the channel 14, more particularly the external face of the walls of the channel 14. These ribs 26 extend at the level of the reinforcing frame 8. The reinforcing frame 8 being, at least in part, in abutment against the ribs 26.

[0023] The channel 14 may for example comprise between four and sixteen locking elements 24 and between four and sixteen ribs 26, each arranged on a wall of the channel. The locking elements 24 are suitable for locking the reinforcement frame 8 in abutment against the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4. The locking elements 24 each comprise a fixing lug with elastic fitting. Preferably, the fixing lugs with elastic fitting are reversible. The fixing lugs with elastic fitting deform during assembly and fixing of the guide part 6 to the support panel 4. Then, they return to their initial shape, as explained in the manufacturing method described below. Advantageously, the locking elements 24 secure the fixing of the guide part 6 to the support panel 4.

[0024] The ribs 26 are for example arranged between the locking elements 24 and the collar 18. Advantageously, the ribs allow precise positioning of the reinforcement frame 8 relative to the guide piece 6.

[0025] The flap 16 closes at least a portion of the first end of the channel 14, in other words the upper end of the channel 14. The flap 16 is connected to the channel 14 by a hinge 27 around which the flap 16 is rotatable during deployment of the airbag between a closed position in which the flap 16 closes at least a portion of the first end of the channel 14 and an open position in which the flap 16 releases at least a portion of the first end of the channel 14. In the embodiment in which the guide piece 6 comprises several flaps 16, each flap 16 is connected to the channel 14 by a hinge 27 and a weakening line 28 is arranged at the junction between the flaps 16. For example, when the guide piece 6 comprises two flaps 16, a weakening line 28 is arranged at the junction between the two flaps 16, as shown in [Fig. 1].The weakening line 28 is for example formed by a restriction in the thickness of the flap 16. The weakening line 28 is capable of tearing, advantageously without projecting particles from the flap 16 into the passenger compartment, when the airbag is deployed.

[0026] The collar 18 is arranged around the first end 14A of the channel 14, in other words the upper end of the channel 14, in the extension of the flap 16.

[0027] By "arranged around the first end of the channel 14" is meant that the collar 18 extends from the first end 14A of the channel 14 towards the outside of the channel 14.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the collar 18 is arranged around the entire first end of the channel 14.

[0029] The collar 18 forms with the flap 16 a substantially flat surface on which the decorative covering 7 is fixed. The collar 18 has a bearing face 30, a face 32 opposite the bearing face 30 and an edge 34 connecting the bearing face 30 to the opposite face 32.

[0030] The decorative covering 7 is fixed on the opposite face 32. The bearing face 30 is fixed by hot compression to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4. The bearing face 30 is fixed to an upper face of the peripheral edge 12. Preferably, the bearing face 30 is provided with one or more reliefs 36 to increase the adhesion of the collar 18 to the support panel 4, as shown in [Fig. 3]. These reliefs 36 are, for example, constituted by studs, ribs, bumps etc. These reliefs 36 increase the adhesion surface. These reliefs have for example a height of between 0.5 millimeters and 2.5 millimeters. The density of these reliefs is between 5 and 15 per square centimeter. With reference to [Fig. 4], the edge 34 of the collar 18 has, in a direction B starting from the bearing face 30 and going towards the opposite face 32, an S-shaped profile 38 and a chamfer 40 making it possible to improve the fixing of the support panel to the guide piece and ensure the flatness of the interface between the guide piece and the support panel. In particular, the S-shaped profile 38 comprises, along the direction B, a first rounded surface 42 having a center of curvature located inside the collar 18 followed by a surface 44 which is substantially flat and inclined relative to a vertical plane, continued by a second rounded surface 46 having a center of curvature outside the collar 18.

[0031] Preferably, the surface 44 has an angle of inclination α of between 0° and 30° relative to a vertical plane.

[0032] The chamfer 40 delimits a portion of reduced thickness located at the level of the edge 34, forming a step at the end of the collar 18. It makes it possible to avoid a defect such as for example a burr, during the injection of the collar 18 of the guide part 6. The thickness of the collar 18 at the start of the chamfer is substantially equal to 0.5 millimeters.

[0033] Preferably, the chamfer 40 has an angle of inclination [3 of between 0° and 60° relative to a vertical plane.

[0034] The decorative covering 7 is fixed to the support panel 4, to the collar 18 and to the flap 16. It is likely to tear when the flap 16 opens and the airbag deploys. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the decorative covering 7 comprises a foam layer and an outer covering. The decorative covering 7 has a thickness of between 0.8 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters. The foam layer extends between the outer covering and the surface formed by the support panel 4, the collar 18 and the flap 16. The outer covering can be made of any type of skin such as, for example, a polypropylene covering, a textile or a leather.

[0035] The reinforcing frame 8 is an added part arranged around the channel 14. The reinforcing frame 8 is fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4 by hot pressing. The reinforcing frame 8 is fixed to a lower face of the peripheral edge 12, opposite the upper face of the peripheral edge 12. The reinforcing frame 8 is adapted to fix the position of the guide part 6 relative to the support panel 4. In particular, it makes it possible to press and fix the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4 against the collar 18 during the hot pressing operation. Thus, the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4 is held between the reinforcing frame 8 and the collar 18. The reinforcing frame 8 has a shape complementary to the shape of the channel 14. Thus, the reinforcing frame 8 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape comprising four branches, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The reinforcing frame 8 is preferably made in one piece by molding, for example by injection molding, of a plastic material, for example comprising polypropylene.

[0036] The reinforcing frame 8 comprises a ring 48 extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction AA, and a skirt 50 extending substantially perpendicular to the ring 48. Each branch of the reinforcing frame 8 has an L-shaped section.

[0037] With reference to [Fig. 2], the ring 48 has a free outer edge 52 and a central opening 54 delimiting an inner edge 56. The skirt 50 extends from the inner edge 56 of the ring 48 towards a lower side of the ring 48. The skirt 50 extends between an end connected to the ring 48 and a free end, opposite the end connected to the ring 48. Preferably, the dimension D of the ring 48 defined between the inner edge 56 and the outer edge 52 is between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters and is preferably between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

[0038] This dimension between the inner 56 and outer 52 edges also makes it possible to compensate for a positioning defect in the cutting of the support panel.

[0039] The inner edge 56 of the ring 48 is in contact with the ribs 26 of the channel 14 to ensure precise positioning of the reinforcement frame 8 relative to the guide piece 6. The ring 48 has a face 58 fixed by hot compression to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel. Preferably, this face 58 is provided with one or more reliefs 60 to increase the adhesion of the ring to the support panel. These reliefs 60 are constituted by studs, ribs or bumps, as visible in [Fig. 3]. These reliefs 60 have for example a height of between 0.5 millimeters and 2.5 millimeters. The density of these reliefs is between 5 and 15 per square centimeter. The skirt 50 has a shape complementary to the channel 14. It is fitted around the channel. Advantageously, the skirt 50 reinforces the stability and the good positioning of the reinforcement frame 8 relative to the guide piece 6.

[0040] The locking elements 24 of the guide piece 6 bear against the free end of the skirt 50. Alternatively, channel 14 comprises a single locking element 24.

[0041] Alternatively, the elastically fitted fixing lugs are not reversible. In this case, their deformed position after assembly allows them to lock the reinforcement frame 8 in abutment against the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the ring 48 comprises a face 58 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel, and in which said face 58 of the ring is provided with at least one relief 60 to increase the adhesion of the ring 48 to the support panel. support 4. According to one embodiment, the collar 18 comprises a bearing face 30 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4, said bearing face 30 being provided with at least one relief 36 to increase the adhesion of the collar 18 to the support panel 4. According to one embodiment, the collar 18 comprises a bearing face 30 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4, a face 32 opposite the bearing face and an edge 34 connecting the bearing face 30 to the opposite face 32, the edge 34 comprising, in a direction starting from the bearing face 30 and going towards the opposite face 32, an S-shaped profile 38 and a chamfer 40. According to one embodiment, the ring 48 comprises a face 58 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel, and said face 58 of the ring is provided with at least one relief 60 to increase the adhesion of the ring 48 to the support panel 4.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the collar 18 comprises a bearing face 30 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4, said bearing face 30 being provided with at least one relief 36 to increase the adhesion of the collar 18 to the support panel 4.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the collar 18 comprises a bearing face 30 fixed to the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4, a face 32 opposite the bearing face and an edge 34 connecting the bearing face 30 to the opposite face 32, the edge 34 comprising, in a direction starting from the bearing face 30 and going towards the opposite face 32, an S-shaped profile 38 and a chamfer 40.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement frame 8 is made of plastic material.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 5], the manufacturing method of the trim component according to the invention begins with a step 62 during which the reinforcing frame 8 is arranged inside a molding cavity of a first mold part 64. In a step 66, the airbag guide piece 6 is arranged in a molding cavity of a second mold part 68. During a step 70, the support panel 4 is heated to a temperature between 160°C and 220°C, preferably between 200°C and 220°C, in particular between 205°C and 210°C. During a step 72, the heated support panel 4 is placed on the molding cavity of the first mold part 64 and on the reinforcement frame 8, in particular on the ring 48 of the reinforcement frame. The support panel begins to deform, in particular by gravity and / or by an action of the mold, to match the shape of the molding cavity of the first mold part 64 and of the reinforcement frame 8. During a step 74, an opening 10 is cut in the support panel by cutting elements 75. The cutting elements 75 bear on the reinforcement frame 8 for cutting out the opening 10.

[0047] During a step 76, the first mold part 64 and the second mold part 68 are assembled by inserting the channel 14 of the guide piece 6 into the opening 10 of the support panel 4 and into the reinforcement frame 8. Upon insertion of the channel 14 into the reinforcement frame 8, the elastically deformable fixing lugs of the locking elements 24 deform. Then, they return to their initial position. In this initial position, the fixing lugs are arranged against the free end of the skirt 50 of the reinforcement frame 8. They form a safety stop in the event that the hot compression fixing becomes detached. In a step 78, the first mold part 64 and the second mold part 68 are compressed against each other. During this compression, the peripheral edge 12 of the support panel 4 is fixed against the collar 18 of the guide part 6 and against the reinforcing frame 8, in particular against the ring 48 of the reinforcing frame 8. The compression step 78 must be carried out at most 20 seconds after heating the support panel. During a step 80, the decorative covering 7 is fixed on the upper face of the support panel 4 and on the upper face of the shutter 16 and the collar 18.

[0048] During an optional step 82, openings 84 are made through the decorative covering 7 and the support panel 4. These openings are intended for the passage of equipment such as a car radio or an aerator. The steps of the method take place from step 62 to step 82, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

Claims

Claims

1. A vehicle trim component (2), the trim component comprising: - a thermocompressed support panel (4) provided with an opening (10) and a peripheral edge (12) surrounding the opening, - an airbag guide piece (6) comprising a channel (14) arranged in the opening (10) of the support panel (4), a flap (16) at least partially closing a first end (14A) of the channel (14) and a collar (18) arranged around the channel in the extension of the flap, the peripheral edge (12) of the support panel being fixed against the collar (18), characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcing frame (8) capable of fixing the position of the guide piece (6) relative to the support panel (4), the reinforcing frame (8) being an insert fitted around the channel (14) and fixed to the peripheral edge (12) of the support panel (4).

2. Vehicle trim component (2) according to claim 1, wherein the channel (14) is provided with at least one locking element (24) capable of locking the reinforcing frame (8) in abutment against the peripheral edge (12) of the support panel.

3. A vehicle trim component (2) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one locking element (24) comprises a resiliently interlocking fixing tab.

4. A vehicle trim component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing frame (8) comprises a ring (48) extending in a plane parallel to the collar (18), and a skirt (50) extending perpendicular to the ring (48) and enclosing the channel (14).

5. A vehicle trim component (2) according to the combination of claims 2 and 4, wherein said at least one locking element (24) bears against a free end of the skirt (50).

6. A vehicle trim component (2) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the ring (48) is adapted to press the peripheral edge (12) of the support panel (4) against the collar (18), the ring (48) having an outer edge (52) and a central opening (54) defining an inner edge (56), and wherein the dimension (D) of the ring defined between the inner edge (56) and the inner edge exterior (52) is between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters and is preferably between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

7. A vehicle trim component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the periphery of the channel (14) comprises ribs (26) extending in an axial direction (AA); the reinforcing frame (8) extending at least partly against the ribs (26).

8. A vehicle trim component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reinforcing frame (8) holds the peripheral edge (12) of the support panel against the flange (18).

9. A method of manufacturing a trim component (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the trim component (2) comprising a thermocompressed support panel (4), a reinforcing frame (8) and an airbag guide piece (6) comprising a channel (14), a flap (16) at least partially closing a first end of the channel and a collar (18) arranged around the channel (14) in the extension of the flap (16), the method comprising the following steps: - arranging (62) the reinforcing frame (8) inside a molding cavity of a first mold part (64), - heating (70) a support panel (4); - arranging (72) the heated support panel (4) on the molding cavity of the first mold and on a part of the reinforcing frame (8); - cutting (74) an opening (10) in the support panel (4) opposite the reinforcing frame (4);- arranging (66) the airbag guide piece (6) in a molding cavity of a second mold part (68); - assembling (76) the first mold part (64) and the second mold part (68) by inserting the channel (14) of the guide piece (6) into the opening (10) of the support panel (4) and into the reinforcement frame (8); - fixing (78) the support panel (4) to the collar (18) and to a part of the reinforcement frame (8) by compressing the second mold part (68) against the first mold part (64).;

10. Manufacturing method according to claim 9 wherein the channel (14) of the guide piece (6) is provided with at least one locking element (24), and wherein said at least one locking element (24) deforms reversibly upon insertion of the channel (14) of the guide piece (6) into the opening (10) of the support panel (4) and in the reinforcement frame (8) then returns to its initial shape to block the reinforcement frame (8) in abutment against a peripheral edge (12) of the support panel (4).

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