Trim element comprising a decorative layer and a display screen and associated manufacturing method

Abstract

Trim element comprising a decorative layer and a display screen and associated manufacturing method The invention relates to a trim element (10) comprising a body (18) and a display screen (20), the body (18) having defining a display zone (14) extending opposite the display screen (20), and a decorative zone (16). The body (18) comprises: - an outer element (22), - a decorative assembly (24) comprising a decorative layer (26) and a support element (28) in contact with a surface (38) of the decorative layer (26), the decorative assembly (24) being located between the outer element (22) and the display screen (20). At least a portion of the support element (28), at least a portion of the outer element (22) and at least a portion of the decorative layer (26) located opposite the display screen (20) being translucent or transparent. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Trim element comprising a decorative layer and a display screen and associated manufacturing method

[0001] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a trim element comprising a body and a display screen, the body having an external surface defining a display area extending opposite the display screen, and a decorative area extending around at least a portion of the display area.

[0002] The trim element according to the invention is for example a vehicle trim element, such as a dashboard, a central console, a seat, a door panel or the like.

[0003] It is known to integrate a display screen into a vehicle trim element in order to display information intended for vehicle passengers and / or audiovisual content.

[0004] To do this, the screen of the display device extends for example in the body of the trim element and the display zone extends in the continuity of the decorative zone formed by the external surface of the body so that the trim element has a substantially continuous and uninterrupted external surface having a satisfactory appearance.

[0005] However, although the display area extends in continuity with the decorative area, the transition between the display area and the decorative area remains visible and detracts from the external appearance of the trim element and reduces the impression of integration of the display screen into the trim element.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome this drawback by proposing a trim element whose cost is reduced, easy to manufacture, having a particularly favorable external appearance, and which improves the integration of the screen in the trim element.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a packing element of the aforementioned type, in which the body comprises:

[0008] - an external element,

[0009] - a decorative assembly comprising a decorative layer and a support element in contact with a surface of the decorative layer, the decorative assembly being located between the external element and the display screen,

[0010] at least a portion of the support element, at least a portion of the outer element and at least a portion of the decorative layer located opposite the display screen being translucent or transparent.

[0011] Thus, the display screen is particularly well integrated into the trim element. The trim element according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a smooth transition between the display area and the decorative area. Light leaks from the display screen are effectively limited by delimiting, thanks to the decorative layer, a translucent or transparent region allowing light to pass through and a region not allowing light to pass through. In addition, the decorative layer is protected by the external element, which makes it possible to obtain a trim element which has a high-quality external appearance and is durable over time.

[0012] The packing element according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, considered alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0013] - the decorative layer is arranged in contact with an internal surface of the element of support, said internal surface being oriented towards the display screen;

[0014] - the decorative layer is arranged in contact with an external surface of the element of support, said external surface being oriented opposite the display screen;

[0015] - the display screen is fixed on the set of decoration;

[0016] - the decorative layer is a plastic film;

[0017] - the part of the decoration layer located between the display screen and the display area is transparent and formed by a through opening delimited in the decorative layer;

[0018] - the decorative layer is made of a plastic material chosen from: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, or a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene;

[0019] - the decorative layer defines at least one three-dimensional surface having at least a curved part; and

[0020] - the support element and / or the external element each comprise at least a first region having a first light transmission rate and a second region having a second light transmission rate, distinct from the first light transmission rate.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a packing element as defined above, the method comprising:

[0022] - insert the decorative layer into a mold,

[0023] - injecting at least a first material into contact with a first surface of the decorative layer for forming the support element, the decorative layer and the support element forming the decorative assembly, at least part of the support element and at least part of the decorative layer, located opposite each other, being translucent or transparent,

[0024] - injecting at least one second material into contact with the decoration assembly to forming the outer element, at least a portion of the outer element being translucent or transparent,

[0025] - arranging the display screen opposite the translucent or transparent parts of the whole set.

[0026] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0027] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is an exploded perspective view of a packing element according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0028] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0029] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of a packing element according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0030] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the element of filling of the first embodiment.

[0031] In the remainder of the description, the term “external” describes the surface(s) or element(s) which are oriented towards the interior of the passenger compartment, as opposed to the term “internal” which designates surfaces or elements oriented towards the display screen.

[0032] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a trim element 10 is described according to a first embodiment. The trim element 10 has an external surface 12 defining a display area 14 and a decorative area 16. The external surface 12 is visible to the passengers present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The trim element 10 comprises a body 18 and a display screen 20. Such a trim element 10 forms, for example, a dashboard, a central console, a seat, a door panel or the like, installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Alternatively, the trim element 10 according to the invention is a display module which can be integrated on another trim element, such as a dashboard, etc. Such a display module, for example, forms a finished product that can be used as a stand-alone unit, for example to be placed in a vehicle or a room of a building, or even used on the go.

[0033] According to the invention, the body 18 comprises an outer element 22 defining the outer surface 12 of the trim element 10, and a decoration assembly 24 comprising a decoration layer 26 and a support element 28 in contact with a surface of the decoration layer 26. By "in contact with", it is meant that the support element 28 is directly in contact with the decoration layer 26, that is to say without an intermediate layer or element arranged between the decoration layer 26 and the support element 28.

[0034] The display area 14 corresponds to a portion of the external surface 12 of the trim element 10 on which the images of the display screen 20 are visible to the passengers of the vehicle through a translucent or transparent part of the external element 22. The decorative area 16 extends around at least a part of the display area 14. It preferably corresponds to a portion of the external surface 12 of the trim element 10 on which the decorative layer 26 is visible to the users through at least a translucent part of the external element 22.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the decorative layer 26 is in contact with an external surface 30 of the support element 28, that is to say a surface oriented towards the passenger present in the passenger compartment, opposite the display screen 20.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the body 18 further comprises a frame 32 and a cover 34 fixed to the frame 32. The cover 34 and the frame 32 define between them an interior volume receiving at least the display screen 20. Preferably, the frame 32 defines an opening 36 receiving at least a portion of the display screen 20.

[0037] The cover 34 and the frame 32 are for example made of a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) or a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS). Alternatively, the material is a thermoplastic material filled or not with glass fibers, glass beads, talc or natural fibers. The material can be coated with a layer of paint or be grained. Alternatively, the cover 34 and the frame 32 are made of metal or a metal alloy including magnesium or aluminum.

[0038] The decoration assembly 24 extends opposite the display area 14 and the decoration area 16.

[0039] The decorative layer 26 has an internal surface 38 in contact with the external surface 30 of the support element 28, and an external surface 40 opposite the internal surface 38. The decorative layer 26 gives the appearance of the trim element 10.

[0040] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the decorative layer 26, located opposite the display screen 20, in a direction E substantially perpendicular to the display surface 44 of the display screen 20, is translucent to allow images of the display screen 20 to be viewed in the display area 14, when the display screen 20 is activated.

[0041] By translucent is meant a light transmission rate substantially between 5% and 100%. A light transmission rate of less than 5% corresponds to an opaque part which does not allow light to pass through. The light is considered in the visible domain, that is to say composed of electromagnetic waves whose wavelength is generally between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0042] In other words, the decorative layer 26 comprises a first translucent region 42 arranged opposite the display screen, in the direction E, between the display zone 14 and the display screen 20. The translucent region 42 of the decorative layer 26 allows at least the passage of light from the internal surface 38 to the external surface 40 of the decorative layer 26.

[0043] Preferably, the decorative layer 26 comprises at least one opaque region surrounding the translucent region. The opaque region comprises, for example, a pattern or a texture. The opaque region extends opposite the decorative zone 16.

[0044] The thickness of the decorative layer 26 is for example between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. The decorative layer 26 is a layer of plastic material, such as for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS).

[0045] Advantageously, the material and translucency of the translucent portion of the decorative layer 26 are such that light passes from the inner surface 38 to the outer surface 40 when the display screen 20 is on, but a user does not see through the decorative layer 26 when the display screen 20 is off. In other words, a user does not see the display screen 20 when it is off.

[0046] For example, at least a portion of the external surface 40 and / or the internal surface 38 of the decorative layer 26 has a planar shape. Alternatively, at least a portion of the external surface 40 and / or the internal surface 38 of the decorative layer 26 has a three-dimensional shape.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the decorative layer 26 is entirely translucent. For example, the transmission rate is uniform for the entire decorative layer 26.

[0048] The external surface 30 of the support element 28 is in contact with the internal surface 38 of the decorative layer 26. Preferably, the support element 28 is overmolded onto the decorative layer 28. In the example illustrated, the external surface 30 of the support element 28 is curved. More particularly, the external surface 30 of the support element 28 is convex. Alternatively, the external surface 30 of the support element 28 is flat.

[0049] The support element 28 is preferably fixed to the chassis 32, for example by snap-fastening onto the chassis 32. The decorative layer 26 arranged on the external surface 30 of the support element 28 advantageously makes it possible to hide the fixing zones for a user placed inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0050] According to the invention, at least a portion of the support element 28, located opposite the display screen 20, in the direction E, is translucent to allow images of the display screen 20 to be viewed in the display area 14, when the display screen 20 is activated.

[0051] In other words, the support element 28 comprises at least one second translucent region 46 arranged opposite the display screen 20, between the display area 14 and the display screen 20. In other words, the second translucent region 46 allows the passage of light from the internal surface 48 to the external surface 30 of the support element 28.

[0052] The second translucent region 46 is also arranged in line with the first translucent region 42 in the direction E. Thus, the light emitted by the display screen 20, when the latter is activated, passes through the first translucent region 42 and the second translucent region 48 to the display area 14.

[0053] The support element 28 is for example made of plastic material such as polycarbonate. Alternatively, the support element 28 is made of polymethyl methacrylate.

[0054] The thickness of the support element 28 taken along the direction E is for example between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the support member 28 is completely translucent. For example, the support member 28 is made of a single translucent material having a uniform light transmission rate.

[0056] Alternatively, advantageously, the support element 28 is made of several distinct materials, that is to say it is made of materials having distinct light transmission properties. In particular, for example, the support element 28 is made of two distinct materials. For example, the support element 28 is made of a first translucent material forming a first translucent zone delimiting at least the second translucent region 46 and of an additional opaque material defining a second peripheral zone around the first zone. Thus, the second peripheral zone makes it possible to avoid light leaks at the outer edge of the support element 28.

[0057] The outer element 22 is arranged on the decorative assembly 24. The outer element 22 defines an outer surface 50, and an inner surface 52 opposite the outer surface 50. More particularly, in the first embodiment, the inner surface 52 of the outer element 22 is in contact with the outer surface 40 of the decorative layer 26. By "in contact with", it is meant that the outer element 22 is directly in contact with the decorative layer 26, that is to say without an intermediate layer or element arranged between the decorative layer 26 and the outer element 22.

[0058] Preferably, the external element 22 is overmolded onto the decorative layer 26.

[0059] Thus, in the example illustrated, the internal surface 52 of the external element 22 matches the shape of the external surface 40 of the decorative layer 26.

[0060] Preferably, the outer element 22 is further in contact with at least one outer face 54 of the support element 28.

[0061] The outer element 22 preferably comprises a main layer 56 made of a single plastic material having a uniform light transmission rate.

[0062] According to the invention, at least a portion of the external element 22 located opposite the display screen 20 is translucent.

[0063] Preferably, the outer element 22 comprises a translucent or transparent portion in the decorative zone 14.

[0064] Alternatively, the outer element 22 is entirely translucent.

[0065] Advantageously, the external element 22 is transparent, that is to say that it has a light transmission rate of between 80% and 100%.

[0066] The plastic material is for example polyurethane (PUR). The polyurethane can be rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

[0067] The thickness of the external element 22, taken along the direction E, is for example between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

[0068] The outer surface 50 of the outer element 22 forms the outer surface 12 of the trim element 10. The outer surface 50 defines the decoration area and the display area.

[0069] Alternatively, the outer element 22 further comprises a protective film fixed to the main layer 56, in particular to an external surface of the main layer 56. The protective film then defines the external surface 12 of the trim element 10. The protective film is for example

[0070] The thickness of the decorative layer 26 is for example between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0071] The display screen 20 comprises for example a liquid crystal panel 58 arranged to form images using a transmissive, reflective or transflective lighting device, and a printed circuit 66 fixed on the liquid crystal panel 58. The display surface 44 of the display screen 20 is oriented towards the decorative assembly 16. In the first embodiment, the display surface 44 is oriented towards the internal surface 48 of the support element 28.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the display screen 20 is a touch screen with which the user can interact by contact with the display surface of the screen. To do this, the display screen comprises a capacitive film 60 fixed on the panel 58, between the panel 58 and the decoration assembly 24, for example using a first transparent optical adhesive layer 62 in the form of a gel or liquid. The capacitive film 60 then defines the display surface 44.

[0073] Preferably, the display screen 20 is received at least partially in the opening 36 of the frame 32, preferably in contact with the edges of the opening 36. Preferably, the display screen 20 is mounted on the frame 32 and is fixed to the decor assembly 26 using a second layer of transparent optical adhesive 64, in the form of a gel or liquid. The second layer of adhesive 64 further ensures good transmission of light between the panel and the support element.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the display screen 20 is fixed on the internal surface 48 of the support element 28, opposite the first translucent region 42 and the second translucent region 46.

[0075] The display surface 44 is for example substantially flat and extends opposite the display area 14.

[0076] A method of manufacturing a packing element 10 as described above is now described.

[0077] First of all, the decorative layer 26 is obtained, for example by stamping. The decorative layer comprises at least one translucent part intended to be arranged opposite the display screen when the decorative assembly is assembled on the chassis.

[0078] The decorative layer 26 is then inserted inside the cavity of an injection mold.

[0079] At least one first translucent material is then injected into contact with a first surface of the decorative layer 26 to form the support element 28, and the second translucent region 46 intended to be arranged opposite the display surface 44. The second translucent region 46 extends at least partly opposite the first translucent region 42. The decorative assembly 24 is thus formed.

[0080] Alternatively, at least one additional material is used to form the support element 28. For example, the additional material has distinct light transmission properties. According to a particular embodiment, the additional material is substantially opaque. The first translucent material is used to form a central zone delimiting at least the second translucent region 46 and the additional opaque material is used to form a peripheral zone around the central zone. The peripheral zone makes it possible to avoid light leaks at the outer edge of the support element 28.

[0081] According to another particular embodiment, the additional material is translucent but has a light transmission rate distinct from that of the first material.

[0082] A second material, for example translucent, is then injected into contact with the decorative assembly 26 to form the external element 22. In the first embodiment, the second material is injected into contact with a second surface of the decorative layer opposite the first surface.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the first surface of the decorative layer 26 forms the inner surface 38 of the decorative layer 26 when the decorative assembly 24 is mounted on the chassis, i.e. the surface facing the display screen 20. The second surface of the decorative layer 26 forms the outer surface 40 of the decorative layer 26 when the decorative assembly 24 is mounted on the chassis, i.e. the surface facing the display screen 20.

[0084] The support element 28 is then assembled on the frame 32 of the body 18 of the trim element 10.

[0085] The display screen 20 is then fixed to the decorative assembly 24, in the opening 36, and more particularly in contact with the support element 28 using a first layer of optical adhesive 62. The display screen 20 is fixed opposite the first translucent region 42 and the second translucent region 46.

[0086] The cover 34 is then assembled on the chassis 32.

[0087] A second embodiment is now described with reference to [Fig.3]. This embodiment is described by differences from the first embodiment.

[0088] In this embodiment, the decorative layer 26, and in particular the external surface, is in contact with the internal surface 48 of the support element 28. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to reduce the parallax effect linked to the curvature and the thickness of the support element 28, and thus to improve the visual appearance of the trim element 10, in particular when the passenger is not facing the display area but along an observation axis forming a non-zero angle with the axis E.

[0089] The internal surface 38 of the decorative layer 26 is in contact with the chassis 32, and in particular with the external surface of the chassis 32. The display screen 20 is fixed on the internal surface 38 of the decorative layer 26.

[0090] During the manufacture of the trim element 10, the second material is injected into contact with the support element 28.

[0091] The support element 28 is then assembled on the frame 32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0092] The trim element 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it allows good integration of the display screen 20. The trim element 10 according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a smooth transition between the display zone 14 and the decorative zone 16. In addition, the decorative layer 26 is protected, which makes it possible to obtain a trim element 10 which has a high-quality external appearance that is durable over time.

[0093] For all of the embodiments described, it is understood that as a variant, at least one of the parts among the part of the support element 28, the part of the element exterior 22 and the part of the decorative layer 26, located opposite the display screen 20 are transparent.

[0094] Thus, the present invention relates to an alternative embodiment of the preceding modes in which the part of the support element 28 located opposite the display screen 20 is translucent or transparent, the parts of the external element 22 and of the decorative layer 26 located opposite the display screen 20 being translucent.

[0095] The present invention also relates to an alternative embodiment of the preceding modes in which the part of the external element 22 located opposite the display screen 20 is translucent or transparent, the parts of the support element 28 and of the decorative layer 26 located opposite the display screen 20 being translucent.

[0096] The present invention also relates to an alternative embodiment of the preceding modes in which the part of the decorative layer 26 located opposite the display screen 20 is translucent or transparent, the parts of the support element 28 and of the external element 22 located opposite the display screen 20 being translucent.

[0097] According to a variant of the first embodiment (not shown) and of the second embodiment ([Fig.4]), the part of the decorative layer 26 located opposite the display screen 20 is transparent, said transparent part is formed by a through opening 68 delimited in the decorative layer 26, that is to say by a region of the decorative layer 26 devoid of material. Thus, the quantity of the material of the decorative layer 26 which is relatively expensive is reduced and the light transmission rate is improved. The through opening 68 extends from the internal surface 38 to the external surface 40 of the decorative layer 26. The through opening 68 of the decorative layer 26 is arranged opposite the opening 36 of the frame 32 receiving the display screen 20. The display screen 20 is for example fixed on the internal surface of the support element 28.

[0098] The method of manufacturing the trim element then comprises an additional step of cutting out from the decorative layer 26, for example by stamping, the part of the decorative layer 26 to form the through opening 68.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim element (10) comprising a body (18) and a display screen (20), the body (18) having an external surface (12) defining a display area (14) extending opposite the display screen (20), and a decorative area (16) extending around at least a portion of the display area (14), characterized in that the body (18) comprises: - an external element (22), - a decorative assembly (24) comprising a decorative layer (26) and a support element (28) in contact with a surface (38;40) of the decorative layer (26), the decorative assembly (24) being located between the external element (22) and the display screen (20), at least a portion of the support element (28), at least a portion of the external element (22) and at least a portion of the decorative layer (26) located opposite the display screen (20) being translucent or transparent, the decorative layer (26) being a layer of plastic material comprising a first translucent region (42) arranged in line with the display screen and an opaque region surrounding the translucent region, characterized in that the support element (28) and / or the external element (22) each comprise at least a first region having a first light transmission rate and a second region having a second light transmission rate, distinct from the first light transmission rate.;

2. A trim element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative layer (26) is arranged in contact with an inner surface (48) of the support element (28), said inner surface (48) being oriented towards the display screen (20).

3. A trim element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative layer (26) is arranged in contact with an external surface (30) of the support element (28), said external surface (30) being oriented opposite the display screen (20).

4. A trim element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display screen (20) is fixed to the decor assembly (24).

5. A trim element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the decorative layer (26) is made of a plastic material chosen from: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, or a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

6. A trim element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the decorative layer (26) defines at least one three-dimensional surface having at least one curved portion.

7. A method of manufacturing a trim element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: - inserting the decorative layer (26) into a mold, - injecting at least a first material into contact with a first surface of the decorative layer (26) to form the support element (28), the decorative layer (26) and the support element (28) forming the decorative assembly (24), at least a portion of the support element (28) and at least a portion of the decorative layer (26), located opposite each other, being translucent or transparent, - injecting at least a second material into contact with the decorative assembly (24) to form the outer element (22), at least a portion of the outer element being translucent or transparent, - arranging the display screen (20) opposite the translucent or transparent portions of the decorative assembly (24).

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