Vehicle trim element and manufacturing process for such a device

Abstract

A vehicle trim element (20) is proposed, comprising: - a first layer (1) including a surface defining a first outer surface (14) of the trim element (20) and an opposite surface, - a decorative element (3) disposed on the first layer (1), - a light source (5) disposed on the first layer (1), - an electrical power supply circuit (6) for the light source (5), the electrical power supply circuit (6) being disposed on the first layer (1), - means (7) for directing the light from the light source (5) to a second outer surface (8, 8') of the trim element (20) other than the first outer surface (14), the means (7) for directing the light from the light source (5) comprising a second transparent or translucent layer (2) at least partially encasing the light source (5). Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Trim element for vehicle and method of manufacturing such a device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of trim elements for the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to a trim element implementing so-called plastronic technology. Prior art

[0002] It is customary to illuminate certain surfaces of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, even if these do not carry a control for actuating equipment. For example, the space located at the passenger's feet, or the bottom of a storage space in the passenger compartment can be illuminated to facilitate use. For this, a lighting device is installed on a trim element arranged in the vicinity of the area to be illuminated. The lighting produced is directed away from the surface of the trim element facing the user. This type of lighting is frequently called ambient lighting.

[0003] Conventionally, the lighting device comprises a light source, a light guide and a printed circuit for electrically powering the light source. This subassembly is attached to the rear of the trim element. This solution has the disadvantages that the size is significant, and that the number of parts to be assembled is high.

[0004] There is therefore a need to propose a solution that can provide the desired function with less bulk and a reduced number of parts. Summary

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a vehicle trim element, comprising: - a first layer comprising a surface defining a first exterior surface of the trim element and an opposite surface, - a decorative element placed on the first layer, - a first light source placed on the first layer, - a power supply circuit for the first light source, the power supply circuit being arranged on the first layer, - means for directing light from the first light source toward a second exterior surface of the trim element other than the first exterior surface. The means for directing light from the first light source comprises a second transparent or translucent layer at least partially coating the first light source.

[0006] This arrangement in which the first layer supports the decorative element, the first light source and its electrical supply circuit, as well as the light redirection means makes it possible to ensure illumination of the trim element with a small footprint and a reduced number of elements. In particular, the thickness of the trim element can be reduced.

[0007] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other, or in any technically possible combination.

[0008] The trim element is an element of the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a motor vehicle.

[0009] The first layer is transparent or translucent.

[0010] The first layer is flexible.

[0011] The electrical supply circuit of the first light source is in contact with the first layer and / or with the decorative element and / or with the reflective layer.

[0012] The electrical supply circuit of the first light source is formed by printing conductive ink on the first layer and / or on the decorative element and / or on the reflective layer.

[0013] The decorative element may be arranged on the surface of the first layer defining a first outer surface of the trim element.

[0014] The decorative element may be arranged on the surface of the first layer opposite to the surface defining a first exterior surface of the trim element.

[0015] The first layer may for example be made of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polycarbonate / polyethylene terephthalate copolymer (PC / PMMA).

[0016] The thickness of the first layer is between 50 microns and 750 microns.

[0017] The first light source comprises a light-emitting diode.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the means for directing the light from the first light source are configured to direct the light from the first light source towards a second exterior surface of the trim element opposite the first exterior surface.

[0019] Alternatively, the means for directing light from the first light source are configured to direct light from the first light source toward a second exterior surface of the trim element adjacent the first exterior surface.

[0020] The means for directing light from the first light source comprise a reflective layer placed on the first layer.

[0021] The reflective layer may be formed by printing ink on the first layer. The reflective layer may alternatively be formed by depositing paint on the first layer.

[0022] The reflective layer may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0023] The second transparent or translucent layer is arranged on the first layer, for example directly in contact with the first layer and / or the decorative element and / or the electrical power supply circuit and / or the reflective layer.

[0024] The second transparent or translucent layer coats the first light source.

[0025] The second layer is formed from an optical material. The optical material is, for example, clear or diffusing. The second layer is preferably formed from polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0026] The thickness of the second layer may be between 500 microns and 5 millimeters. In particular, the thickness of the second layer may be between 1 and 5 millimeters.

[0027] The means for directing light from the first light source comprises a reflective element disposed on the first layer.

[0028] The reflective element extends opposite the second layer in a direction parallel to the first layer.

[0029] The reflective element faces a lateral surface of the second layer.

[0030] The reflective element is opposite each of the lateral surfaces of the second layer.

[0031] The reflective element is spaced from the second layer at least over a portion of the thickness of the second layer.

[0032] The reflective element may be spaced from the second layer over the entire thickness of the second layer.

[0033] The distance between the reflective element and the second layer is between 0.1 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0034] The reflective element is in contact with the second layer at a contact surface extending over at least a portion of the thickness of the second layer.

[0035] In other words, no clearance, or air gap, is present between the reflective element and the second layer, at least over a portion of the thickness of the second layer. The aesthetic appearance of the trim element is improved, since no gap can be perceived on the surface of the trim element.

[0036] The contact surface between the reflective element and the second layer is adjacent to the first layer.

[0037] The contact surface between the reflective element and the second layer forms an angle of between 60° and 90° with the first layer.

[0038] The trim element comprises a light diffuser, the second outer surface towards which the light of the first light source is directed being formed by a surface of the light diffuser.

[0039] The surface of the light diffuser towards which the light from the first light source is directed is flat.

[0040] The light diffuser has a rectangular, or trapezoidal, or triangular cross-section.

[0041] The light transmission rate of the diffuser is between 20% and 90%.

[0042] The diffusion angle of the light from the diffuser is between 5° and 60°.

[0043] The light diffuser and the second layer form a single-piece assembly.

[0044] The light diffuser and the second layer are two separate elements.

[0045] The light diffuser is in contact with the second layer.

[0046] The light diffuser is distant from the second layer.

[0047] The distance, in a direction perpendicular to the first layer, between the light diffuser and the second layer, is between 0.1 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the trim element comprises a second light source arranged on the first layer, the second light source being configured to illuminate the decorative element, in particular a portion of the decorative element not facing the second layer. The electrical power supply circuit of the second light source is for example the same as the electrical power supply circuit of the first light source.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first layer is transparent or translucent.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second light source is configured to illuminate the decorative element without illuminating the second exterior surface illuminated by the first light source. For this, the trim element comprises, for example, a third transparent or translucent layer configured to illuminate the decorative element without illuminating the second exterior surface illuminated by the first light source. The third layer is distinct from the second layer. The third layer is optically separated from the second layer by an opaque element. The third layer comprises an extraction element allowing the extraction of light from the third layer towards the decorative element.

[0051] The external surface of the first layer, i.e. the first exterior surface, may form for users of the vehicle a control interface for components or subsystems of the vehicle. For this, one or more touch sensors may be implanted so that pressure from a user activates the component or subsystem. system.

[0052] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a vehicle trim element as described above, comprising the steps: (a) providing a film forming a first layer, (b) formation on one face of the first layer of a decorative element, (c) forming on one face of the first layer an electrical power supply circuit, (d) forming on one face of the first layer a reflective layer, (e) attaching a first light source to the first layer so as to connect the first light source to the power supply circuit, (f) coating the first light source with a second layer disposed on the first layer. The manufacturing method may comprise an optional step (g) of fixing a reflective element surrounding the second layer, the reflective element being for example distant from the second layer so as to leave a layer of air between the reflective element and the second layer.

[0053] The second layer may be injected onto the first layer. The second layer may also be injected separately and then attached to the first layer.

[0054] The first layer may be thermoformed. In other words, the first layer may be formed from a plate of thermoplastic material, which is heated and then shaped in a mold corresponding to the desired shape. Other shaping methods are also possible.

[0055] Step (d) of forming a reflective layer on one face of the first layer is optional. According to an alternative embodiment, step (e) can directly follow step (c). Step (d) is then not carried out.

[0056] The vehicle trim element can also be manufactured by other types of manufacturing process, which will not be detailed here. Brief description of the drawings

[0057] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0058] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a packing element according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0059] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic view illustrating various light directing means that can be implemented in the trim element of [Fig.l],

[0060] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a first variant of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0061] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a second variant of the element of filling of [Fig.l],

[0062] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a third variant of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0063] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a fourth variant of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0064] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a fifth variant of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0065] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a sixth variant of the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0066] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of a packing element according to a second embodiment,

[0067] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view illustrating different steps of a method of manufacturing the packing element of [Fig.l],

[0068] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view illustrating other steps of the manufacturing process.

[0069] In order to facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessary surely represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements have the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, or one parameter over another and the names can be interchanged. When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

[0070] [Fig. 1] shows a trim element 20 for a vehicle. The trim element 20 is an element of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a motor vehicle, or an industrial vehicle. The trim element is, for example, an armrest, or a storage compartment, or a cup holder. Part A of [Fig. 1] is a front view, and part B of [Fig. 1] is a side view. The same is true of Figures 3 to 8.

[0071] The vehicle trim element 20 comprises: - a first layer 1 comprising a surface defining a first outer surface 14 of the trim element 20 and an opposite surface 15, - a decorative element 3 placed on the first layer 1, - a first light source 5 arranged on the first layer 1, - an electrical power supply circuit 6 for the first light source 5, the electrical power supply circuit 6 being arranged on the first layer 1, - means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 towards a second external surface 8, 8' of the trim element 20 other than the first outer surface 14.

[0072] The term “external surface” means a surface oriented towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The first external surface 14 is for example intended to be directly visible by an occupant of the vehicle. The second external surface 8, 8' is for example not intended to be directly visible by an occupant of the vehicle when this occupant is in a posture corresponding to the normal use of the vehicle while driving. The means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 comprise a second transparent or translucent layer 2 at least partially coating the first light source 5. In the example of [Fig. 1], the first light source 5 is completely coated by the second layer 2, that is to say that the first light source 5 is in contact with the second layer 2 over its entire external surface, with the exception of the part which is in contact with the first layer 1.The terms "transparent or translucent" mean a light transmission rate greater than 5%. The light transmission rate can, for example, be greater than 20%.

[0073] This arrangement in which the first layer 1 supports the decorative element 3, the first light source 5 and its electrical power supply circuit 6, as well as the light redirection means 7 makes it possible to ensure illumination of the trim element with a small footprint and a reduced number of elements. In particular, the thickness of the trim element can be reduced compared to traditional solutions.

[0074] The first layer 1 is transparent or translucent. The first layer 1 is flexible. It is thus understood that the first layer 1 is flexible when taken in isolation. The first layer 1 can be assembled to a rigid structure, and once the assembly is carried out the shape of the first layer 1 no longer changes.

[0075] The first layer 1 is formed by a polymer film. The first layer 1 may for example be made of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polycarbonate / polyethylene terephthalate copolymer (PC / PMMA). The thickness of the first layer 1 is between 50 microns and 750 microns.

[0076] The decorative element 3 defines a visible surface of the trim element 20. This means that the decorative element 3 is visible to an occupant of the vehicle when the trim element is installed in the nominal position. The sign O schematically indicates the location of the occupant, or user, when the trim element 20 is installed. The signs L schematically indicate the direction of emission of the light. The sign S schematically indicates the surface illuminated by the light emitted by the first light source 5 and redirected by the light redirection means 7.

[0077] The power supply circuit 6 of the first light source 5 is in contact with the first layer 1. The electrical power supply circuit 6 of the first light source 5 is formed by a conductive ink on the first layer 1. The conductive ink forms electrical connection tracks which are in contact with the first layer 1. In other words, the electrical power supply circuit 6 comprises electrical connection tracks formed by a conductive ink. The electrical connection tracks are for example printed on the first layer 1. The trim element 20 is here without a printed circuit for powering the first light source 5 separate from the electrical connection tracks formed on the first layer 1.

[0078] The decorative element 3 may be arranged on a surface of the first layer 1 defining a first exterior surface 14 of the trim element 20. In other words, in this embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.l], the decorative element 3 covers the first exterior surface 14.

[0079] Alternatively, the decorative element 3 may be arranged on a surface 15 of the first layer 1 opposite the surface 14 defining the first outer surface of the trim element 20. In other words, in this embodiment variant, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3], the first layer 1 covers the decorative element 3. The electrical power supply circuit 6, the first light source 5, and the second layer 2 are arranged on the surface 15 opposite the surface 14 defining the first outer surface. The electrical power supply circuit 6 of the first light source 5 is in contact with the decorative element 3 and / or with the reflective layer 9.

[0080] The first transparent or translucent layer 1 and the decorative element 3 together form a decorative layer. The decorative element 3 may be formed by a layer of decorative ink on the first layer 1. The layer of decorative ink may be on either side of the first layer 1. The decorative layer may alternatively be a paint. The portion of decorative element 3 extending opposite the second layer 2 may be opaque to light. By opaque is meant a light transmission rate of less than 5%. The light transmission rate may be zero, i.e. equal to 0%.

[0081] The external surface of the first layer 1 may be flat, as is the case in the illustrated example. According to other examples of implementation, not shown, the external surface of the first layer 1 may be curved. The external surface of the first layer 1 may locally comprise reliefs, or protuberances. The shape of the external surface of the first layer 1 is adapted to the desired shape for the packing element 20.

[0082] The first light source 5 comprises a light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diode is often referred to by the English term LED (for “light-emitting diode” in English). The first light source 5 is arranged on the opposite surface 15 of the first layer 1. The first light source 5 is, for example, directly in contact with the first layer 1, the decorative element 3 and / or the reflective layer 9. The trim element 20 comprises, for example, several first light sources 5, for example two first light sources 5, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 to 8, 10 and 11. The second transparent or translucent layer 2 at least partially coats the first light sources 5.

[0083] According to a first embodiment as well as according to its variants, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, the means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 are configured to direct the light from the first light source 5 towards a second outer surface 8 of the trim element 20 opposite the first outer surface 14.

[0084] The first layer 1 defines an upper face of the trim element 20. The second outer surface 8 from which the light is emitted defines a lower face of the trim element 20.

[0085] The first outer surface 14 and the second outer surface 8 extend in substantially parallel planes.

[0086] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.9], the means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 are configured to direct the light from the first light source 5 towards a second outer surface 8' of the trim element 20 adjacent to the decorative element 3. In the case where the first layer 1 defines an upper face of the trim element 20, the second outer surface 8' towards which the light from the first light source 5 is directed is in this case a lateral surface 16 of the trim element 20.

[0087] The second outer surface 8' towards which the light from the first light source 5 is directed may form with the decorative element 3 an angle of between 30° and 90°. In the example of [Fig.9], this angle is 90°.

[0088] The means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 comprise a reflective layer 9 arranged on the first layer 1. The reflective layer 9 reflects the light emitted by the first light source 5 towards the second transparent or translucent layer 2. The reflective layer 9 thus participates in the direction of the light emitted by the first light source 5 towards the second outer surface 8, 8'. The reflective layer 9 blocks, for example, the transmission of light through the first layer 1 and towards the decorative element 3. The reflective layer 9 thus prevents unwanted illumination of the decorative element 3. The reflective layer 9 is, for example, formed by printing reflective ink on the first layer 1. The reflective layer 9 may alternatively be formed by a depositing reflective paint on the first layer 1. The reflective layer 9 may be continuous or discontinuous. The reflective layer 9 is arranged on the surface 15 opposite the surface defining the first exterior surface 14. The reflective layer 9 extends opposite the second layer 2 in a direction perpendicular to the first layer 1. The reflective layer 9 extends for example between the first layer 1 and the second layer 2.

[0089] The second transparent or translucent layer 2 coats the first light source 5. The second transparent or translucent layer 2 is arranged on the first layer 1.

[0090] The second layer 2 is preferably formed from an optical material. The optical material is, for example, clear or diffusing. The second layer is preferably formed from polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The thickness of the second layer 2 may be between 500 microns and 5 millimeters. In particular, the thickness of the second layer 2 may be between 1 and 5 millimeters.

[0091] The means 7 for directing the light from the first light source 5 comprise a reflector element 10 arranged on the first layer 1. The reflector element 10 is arranged on the opposite surface 15 of the first layer 1. The reflector element 10 extends opposite the second layer 2 in a direction DI parallel to the first layer 1.

[0092] In the example of [Fig.l], the reflective element 10 is opposite a lateral surface 17 of the second layer 2. More precisely, the reflective element 10 is opposite each of the lateral surfaces 17 of the second layer 2. The reflective element 10 thus surrounds the second layer 2.

[0093] The reflective element 10 may be distant from the second layer 2 at least over a portion of the thickness E of the second layer 2. In the example of [Fig.6], the reflective element 10 is distant from the second layer 2 over a portion pl of the thickness E of the second layer 2. The term “thickness E of the second layer 2” means the dimension measured along a direction D2 perpendicular to the first layer 1.

[0094] According to the embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the reflective element 10 is distant from the second layer 2 over the entire thickness E of the second layer 2.

[0095] The distance j 1 between the reflective element 10 and the second layer 2 is between 0.1 millimeters and 3 millimeters. The distance jl, illustrated in [Fig.4], is measured in a plane parallel to the first layer 1. A layer of air 19 is thus present between the second layer 2 and the reflective element 10, at least over a part pl of the thickness E of the second layer 2.

[0096] In the variants illustrated in figures 6, 7, 8, the reflector element 10 is in contact with the second layer 2 at a contact surface 11 extending over at least a portion p2 of the thickness E of the second layer 2. In other words, no play, or air gap, is present between the reflective element 10 and the second layer 2, at least over a portion p2 of the thickness of the second layer 2. The aesthetic appearance of the trim element is improved, since no gap can be perceived by the user at the surface of the trim element 20.

[0097] The contact surface 11 between the reflective element 10 and the second layer 2 is adjacent to the first layer 1. In the example of [Fig.6], the contact surface 11 between the reflective element 10 and the second layer 2 forms with the first layer 1 an angle of between 60° and 90°.

[0098] The trim element 20 comprises a light diffuser 12, the second outer surface 8, 8' towards which the light from the first light source 5 is directed being formed by a surface 13 of the light diffuser 12. In the example illustrated, the surface 13 of the light diffuser 12 towards which the light from the first light source 5 is directed is flat. According to variants not shown, the surface 13 of the light diffuser 12 may be concave, or even convex.

[0099] The light transmission rate of the diffuser 12 is between 20% and 90%. The light diffusion angle A of the diffuser 12 is between 5° and 60°.

[0100] The light diffuser 12 has a rectangular, or trapezoidal, or triangular cross-section. [Fig. 2] shows several examples of cross-section of the light diffuser 12. Other shapes, not shown, are also possible.

[0101] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 8, the light diffuser 12 and the second layer 2 form a single-piece assembly.

[0102] According to the embodiment variants of Figures 4 to 7, the light diffuser 12 and the second layer 2 are two separate elements.

[0103] In the embodiment variants of Figures 5 and 7, the light diffuser 12 is in contact with the second layer 2.

[0104] The contact surface between the light diffuser 12 and the second layer 2 is indicated by the reference sign 18, visible for example in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0105] According to alternative embodiments, the light diffuser 12 may be distant from the second layer 2. This case is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0106] [Fig.4] shows the distance j2 existing between the light diffuser 12 and the second layer 2, in a direction D2 perpendicular to the first layer 1. The distance j2 is for example between 0.1 millimeters and 3 millimeters. A layer of air 19' of thickness j2 is thus present, in the direction D2, between the light diffuser 12 and the second layer 2.

[0107] According to an embodiment not shown, the trim element 20 comprises a second light source arranged on the first layer 1, the second light source being configured to illuminate the decorative element 3, in particular a portion of the decorative element 3 not facing the second layer. The second light source is arranged on the opposite surface 15 of the first layer 1. The electrical power supply circuit 6 of the second light source is for example the same as the electrical power supply circuit of the first light source 5. In this embodiment, the first layer is transparent or translucent.

[0108] The second light source is configured to illuminate the decorative element 3 without illuminating the second outer surface 8, 8' which is illuminated by the first light source 5. For this, the trim element 20 comprises for example a third transparent or translucent layer configured to illuminate the decorative element 3 without illuminating the second outer surface 8, 8' illuminated by the first light source 5. The third layer is distinct from the second layer. The third layer is arranged on the first layer 1, in particular on the opposite surface 15 of the first layer 1. The third layer is optically separated from the second layer by an opaque element. The opaque element forms a screen preventing the light emitted by the second light source from illuminating the second outer surface 8, 8' illuminated by the first light source 5.In other words, the opaque element prevents the area to be illuminated by the second light source from receiving stray light emitted by the first light source 5. In the same way, the opaque element prevents the area to be illuminated by the first light source 5 from receiving stray light coming from the second light source. The third layer comprises an optical extraction element allowing the extraction of light from the third layer towards the decorative element. According to this embodiment, the decorative element 3 is for example opaque in a portion extending opposite the second layer 2 and at least partially transparent or translucent in a portion extending opposite the third layer. Thus, the second light source is capable of backlighting one or more patterns formed by the transparent or translucent portions of the decorative element 3.

[0109] The external surface of the first layer 1, i.e. the first external surface 14, can form for the users of the vehicle an interface for controlling components or subsystems of the vehicle. For this, one or more touch sensors can be implanted so that pressure from a user activates the corresponding component or subsystem.

[0110] The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a vehicle trim element (20) as described above, comprising the steps: (a) providing a film forming a first layer 1, (b) formation on one face of the first layer 1 of a decorative element 3, (c) formation on one face of the first layer 1 of an electrical power supply circuit 6, (d) formation on one face of the first layer 1 of a reflective layer 9, (e) fixing a first light source 5 on the first layer 1, (f) coating the first light source 5 with a second layer 2 arranged on the first layer 1. Optionally, the manufacturing method comprises a step (g) of fixing a reflective element 10 surrounding the second layer 2, the reflective element 10 being for example distant from the second layer 2 so as to leave a layer of air between the reflective element 10 and the second layer 2.

[0111] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the different steps of the process, with the corresponding reference sign.

[0112] The second layer 2 can be injected onto the first layer 1. The second layer 2 can also be injected separately, then fixed to the first layer 1.

[0113] The first layer 1 may be thermoformed. In other words, the first layer 1 may be formed from a plate of thermoplastic material, which is heated and then shaped in a mold corresponding to the desired shape. Other methods of shaping the first layer 1 are also possible.

[0114] Step (d) of forming a reflective layer 9 on one face of the first layer 1 is optional. According to an alternative embodiment, step (e) can directly follow step (c). Step (d) is then not carried out.

[0115] The trim element 20 can also be manufactured by other types of manufacturing methods, which will not be detailed here.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim element (20) for a vehicle, comprising: - a first layer (1) formed by a polymer film, the first layer (1) comprising a surface defining a first outer surface (14) of the trim element and an opposite surface (15), - a decorative element (3) arranged on the first layer (1), - a first light source (5) arranged on the first layer (1), - an electrical supply circuit (6) for the first light source (5), the electrical supply circuit (6) being arranged on the first layer (1), - means (7) for directing the light from the first light source (5) towards a second outer surface (8, 8') of the trim element (20) other than the first outer surface (14), the means (7) for directing the light from the first light source (5) comprising a second transparent or translucent layer (2) at least partially coating the first light source (5).

2. A trim element (20) according to claim 1, wherein the means (7) for directing light from the first light source (5) are configured to direct light from the first light source (5) toward a second outer surface (8) of the trim element (20) opposite the first outer surface (14).

3. A trim element (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means (7) for directing light from the first light source (5) are configured to direct light from the first light source (5) towards a second outer surface (8') of the trim element adjacent the first outer surface (14).

4. A trim element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (7) for directing the light from the first light source (5) comprise a reflective layer (9) disposed on the first layer (1).

5. A trim element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (7) for directing the light from the first light source (5) comprise a reflector element (10) arranged on the first layer (1), the reflector element (10) extending opposite the second layer (2) in a direction (Dl) parallel to the first layer (1).

6. Filling element (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the reflective element (10) is distant from the second layer (2) at least over a portion (pl) of the thickness (E) of the second layer (2).

7. A packing element (20) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the reflective element (10) is in contact with the second layer (2) at a contact surface (11) extending over at least a portion (p2) of the thickness (E) of the second layer (2), wherein the contact surface (11) between the reflective element (10) and the second layer (2) is adjacent to the first layer (1).

8. A trim element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a light diffuser (12), the second outer surface (8, 8') towards which the light from the first light source (5) is directed being formed by a surface (13) of the light diffuser (12).

9. A trim element (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the light diffuser (12) is in contact with the second layer (2).

10. A trim element (20) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the light diffuser (12) is spaced from the second layer (2).

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