Vehicle trim element comprising a deformable external surface

Abstract

Vehicle trim element comprising a deformable external surface. The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element comprising a deformable external surface (1) and two actuation zones (5) comprising an actuation device (7) for at least one vehicle function, movable between a first position and a second position. The trim element is configurable in at least three configurations: - a first configuration in which one of the actuation devices (7) is in the second position to control a vehicle function and the other actuation device (7) is in the first position, - a second configuration in which both actuation devices (7) are in the second position to control two distinct vehicle functions, and - a third configuration in which both actuation devices (7) are in the second position to control the same vehicle function.Figure for the abbreviation: figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle trim element comprising a deformable external surface

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element, of the type comprising a deformable external surface and at least two actuation zones, each actuation zone comprising a device for actuation of at least one function of the vehicle, said actuation device being movable between a first position and a second position, in which the external surface is deformed to form a protuberance.

[0002] Passenger transport vehicles offer users a large number of functionalities for modifying certain parameters linked to the vehicle, such as internal climatic conditions, lighting inside the vehicle, or even the management of multimedia parameters.

[0003] However, the increase in the number of these functionalities leads to an increase in the cognitive load for the user, in particular for the driver of the vehicle, who must, in addition to monitoring the driving of the vehicle, take care of the management of these functionalities.

[0004] Indeed, each functionality is generally associated with one or more control devices that the user must control to manage this functionality. The control devices take the form, for example, of buttons or dials or even a touch-sensitive surface presenting icons with which the user can interact by contact with the touch-sensitive surface.

[0005] When driving, the user can thus be easily and frequently distracted, which increases his fatigue and reduces his concentration.

[0006] In order to facilitate the interaction between the user and the control devices, it is for example provided to provide feedback to the user when he performs an action to assure him that said action has been taken into account by the system without the user having to look at the corresponding actuation zone.

[0007] For this purpose, many common interactive surfaces are provided with elements capable of sending sensory feedback to the user, called haptic feedback, when the user interacts with the interactive surface.

[0008] However, if such a solution makes it possible to reassure the user about the action he has just performed, it does not facilitate the performance of the action as such, that is to say it does not facilitate the management of the functionalities which always involves a large number of actuating devices.

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome this drawback by proposing an element of filling facilitating the management of a plurality of functions controllable by contact with this filling element.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a packing element of the aforementioned type, in which the packing element is configurable in at least three configurations:

[0011] - a first configuration in which at least one of the devices actuating device is in the second position to control a function of the vehicle by pressing on the actuating zone comprising said actuating device and the other actuating device is in the first position,

[0012] - a second configuration in which the two actuating devices are in the second position to control two separate functions of the vehicle by pressing on the actuation zones comprising said actuation devices, and

[0013] - a third configuration in which the two actuation devices are in the second position to control the same function of the vehicle by pressing on one or both of the actuation zones comprising said actuation devices.

[0014] Since each actuation zone is not necessarily associated with a single functionality, the interaction regions available to the user to access a functionality are varied and modular, for example depending on the needs and configurations of the vehicle and the nature of the user.

[0015] In addition, the first and second positions of each actuating device allow the functionalities to be made visible only when the user wishes to use them. Indeed, the actuating device of a functionality is only visible and operable when it is in the second position. The interaction of the user with the deformable external surface of the trim element is then simplified and the cognitive load of the user is reduced since the unused functionalities remain inaccessible, which limits the need for the user to search for the control device associated with a particular functionality.Finally, in a configuration in which all the actuating devices control the same function, the user can control this function by pressing any actuating zone of the trim element, that is to say he can control this function without having to look at the trim element to look for the actuating zone on which to press.

[0016] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the filling element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0017] - each actuating device comprises a bistable blade, the first position and the second position being stable positions of said bistable blade;

[0018] - each actuating device comprises at least one piezo transducer electrically configured to cause the actuator device to move between the first and second positions when said piezoelectric transducer is energized;

[0019] - the piezoelectric transducer is mounted on the bistable blade and is configured to moving the bistable blade between the first and second positions when said piezoelectric transducer is energized;

[0020] - the passage of each actuating device from the first position to the second position creates haptic feedback perceptible by a user applying pressure to the actuation zone comprising said actuation device, the amplitude of the haptic feedback being between 0.01 mm and 10 mm, and in particular greater than 0.1 mm;

[0021] - the trim element comprises at least one backlighting device arranged to illuminate the external surface at least opposite the actuation zones, the backlighting being different in each configuration of the trim element;

[0022] - at least two actuation zones each control a different function of a functional device of the vehicle;

[0023] - the packing element comprises at least two sets of at least two zones actuation, each assembly being arranged to control a different functional device of the vehicle, the trim element being configurable in at least one configuration in which the actuation devices of one assembly are in the second position and the actuation devices of the other assembly are in the first position;

[0024] - the functional device of the vehicle is a module chosen from a module of vehicle thermal control, a vehicle multimedia device management module, a vehicle lighting system control module, a vehicle equipment management module, and a vehicle speed management module; and

[0025] - the trim element comprises a control module capable of assigning a vehicle function with one or more actuation zones depending on at least one vehicle parameter and / or a user.

[0026] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a view of a part of a vehicle trim element according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of an actuating device for the packing element of [Fig.l], the actuating device being in a first position,

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the actuating device of [Fig.2] in a second position,

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the packing element of [Fig.l], in which features related to the thermal control of a vehicle are visible, and

[0031] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the packing element of [Fig.l], in which functionalities related to the management of a vehicle's multimedia device are visible.

[0032] A vehicle trim element extending between a deformable external surface 1, forming the part visible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the trim element, and an internal surface 3, opposite the external surface 1, and intended to be applied to a part of a vehicle, is shown in [Fig.l].

[0033] In all that follows, the terms "interior" and "internal" designate that which faces the part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the trim element is applied, and the terms "exterior" and "external" designate that which faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0034] It is understood that such a trim element can cover or form any part of the vehicle interior, such as a dashboard, a door panel, a steering wheel, a central console, an armrest, etc., for example by adapting the geometry of the trim element accordingly.

[0035] It is also understood that a vehicle may comprise several trim elements according to the invention, for example to form and / or cover several regions of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0036] In the following description, the functionalities, or functions, of the vehicle are grouped into different coherent functional devices.

[0037] For example, a vehicle function may be, but is not limited to, adjusting the heating including, for example, adjusting the ventilation, adjusting the defrosting functions, adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, or managing a multimedia device including, for example, adjusting the volume of a sound device, managing the multimedia content being played, turning the multimedia device on and off, etc.

[0038] Following these same examples, the functions of heating adjustment, ventilation adjustment, and defrosting function adjustment can be grouped together in a specific functional device such as a thermal control module.

[0039] Similarly, switching on or off the multimedia device, adjusting the sound volume of a sound device, and managing the multimedia content being played can be grouped together in a specific functional device such as a management module for a multimedia device in the vehicle.

[0040] In other examples, the functional device may be chosen from a vehicle lighting system control module, a vehicle equipment management module, or a vehicle speed management module.

[0041] The external surface 1 of the trim element, visible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle, gives the trim element its appearance.

[0042] The external surface 1 is for example formed by a skin, for example made of synthetic or natural material, and may have a flat or three-dimensional structure.

[0043] The skin extends for example on a rigid support 4.

[0044] The rigid support 4 provides mechanical robustness to the trim element adapted to the part of the vehicle over which the trim element extends and gives its shape to the trim element, the skin matching the shape of the rigid support.

[0045] The external surface 1 is deformable. By "deformable" is meant that the external surface 1 is capable of being deformed in one or more directions without showing signs of breakage or damage.

[0046] The external surface 1 is in particular elastically deformable. Thus, the external surface 1 can pass from the undeformed state to the deformed state reversibly, thus returning to the undeformed state without having undergone an alteration of its properties when the force deforming the external surface 1 ceases to be applied.

[0047] The trim element comprises at least two actuation zones 5 extending between the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 1 of the trim element.

[0048] A user can interact with these actuation zones 5, by means of contact with the external surface 1 opposite these actuation zones 5. For example, each actuation zone 5 is intended to undergo pressure exerted by a user to activate and / or deactivate one or more functions of the vehicle.

[0049] Each actuation zone 5 comprises an actuation device 7, shown in Figures 2 and 3, of at least one function of the vehicle movable between a first position, shown in [Fig.2], and a second position, shown in [Fig.3], in which the external surface 1 is deformed to form a protuberance 9 in the external surface 1.

[0050] The protrusion 9 is an area projecting outwards relative to the rest of the external surface 1.

[0051] The support 4 advantageously has openings 10 for the passage of the actuating devices 7 towards the external surface 1.

[0052] According to one embodiment, when the actuating device 7 is in the second position, forming a protrusion 9 projecting outwards, the external surface 1 matches the shape of the actuating device 7.

[0053] The protuberance 9 then forms a pressure zone on the external surface 1 opposite the actuating device 7 visible and intuitive for the user who already knows the three-dimensional pressure buttons present on classic dashboards.

[0054] When the actuating device 7 is in the first position, it is spaced away from the external surface 1 so that it does not cause deformation in the external surface 1. The external surface 1 is then in an undeformed state.

[0055] Thus, in the first position of the actuating device 7, the pressure zone does not appear on the external surface 1 opposite the actuating device 7 and is therefore not visible to the user. The actuating zone 5 comprising said actuating device 7 is thus substantially invisible from the outside of the trim element.

[0056] The elasticity of the external surface 1 allows it to pass from the deformed state to the undeformed state, and vice versa, during several deformation cycles, without exhibiting any residual deformation.

[0057] Each actuating device 7 comprises for example a bistable blade 11, visible in Figures 2 and 3. By “bistable” is meant that the blade 11 has two stable states. Once placed in a stable state, the blade 11 remains in this stable state in the absence of an external stress. The transition from the first stable state to the second stable state and the transition from the second stable state to the first stable state are generated by an external stress.

[0058] According to the invention, the first stable state corresponds to the first position of the actuating device 7, and the second stable state corresponds to the second position of the actuating device 7.

[0059] According to one embodiment, shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bistable blade 11 is fixed at its two ends to the support 4 and extends into one of the openings 10 of the support 4, so as to come into contact, in one of the two stable positions, with the external surface 1.

[0060] In the first position, the bistable blade 11 has a profile curved towards the internal surface 3, as visible in [Fig.2].

[0061] In the second position, the bistable blade 11 has a profile curved towards the external surface 1, as visible in [Fig. 3]. In this position, the external surface 1 matches the shape of the bistable blade 11 to form the protuberance 9.

[0062] More particularly, in the first and second positions, the bistable blade 11 forms a sinusoidal portion between its two ends.

[0063] According to another embodiment, not shown, the bistable blade 11 is fixed at only one of its ends to the support 4 and extends into one of the openings 10 of the support 4, so as to come into contact, in one of the two stable positions, with the external surface 1.

[0064] According to this embodiment, in the first position, the bistable blade 11 has, for example, a substantially flat profile.

[0065] In the second position, the bistable blade 11 has a profile at least partially inclined towards the external surface 1. This embodiment has the advantage of proposing a simplified design of the actuating devices 7.

[0066] It is understood that the packing element 1 may comprise bistable blades secured by their two ends to the support and others secured by only one of their ends.

[0067] As a variant, not shown, the protuberance 9 is formed not by a stable position of a bistable blade 11, but by an element capable of deforming geometrically under mechanical and / or electrical stress.

[0068] According to one embodiment, each actuating device 7 comprises at least one piezoelectric transducer 13.

[0069] The piezoelectric transducer 13 is an actuator made of a material having piezoelectric properties, that is to say capable of electrically polarizing under the action of a mechanical stress and, conversely, of deforming under the action of an electric field.

[0070] The piezoelectric transducer 13 is for example configured to cause the movement of the actuating device 7 between the first and second positions when it is supplied with energy.

[0071] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the actuating device 7 comprises two piezoelectric transducers 13 and each piezoelectric transducer 13 is mounted on the bistable blade 11 and is configured to move the bistable blade 11 between the first and second positions when it is supplied with energy.

[0072] The or each piezoelectric transducer 13 is for example glued or printed on the bistable blade 11.

[0073] When the actuating device 7 has at least two piezoelectric transducers 13, the piezoelectric transducers 13 are for example spaced from one another along the curved profile, in each of the first and second positions, of the bistable blade 11.

[0074] In particular, when the actuating device 7 has exactly two piezoelectric transducers 13, the piezoelectric transducers 13 are arranged on either side of the center, taken between the two ends of the bistable blade 11, of the curved blade 11.

[0075] In the example where the actuating device 7 comprises a bistable blade 11 fixed at only one of its two ends to the support 4 and having a profile at least partially inclined towards the external surface 1 in the second position, the piezoelectric transducer 13 is for example fixed on the part of the bistable blade 11 inclined in the second position.

[0076] As a variant, not shown, the actuator is not a piezoelectric transducer 13 but an element capable of generating a geometric deformation of the actuating device 7, in response to a signal of a mechanical and / or electrical nature.

[0077] In an initialization phase, for example when a user enters his vehicle and starts the vehicle, all the actuation devices 7 are for example in the second position, thus all the actuation zones 5 have a pressure zone visible to the user by the formation of a protuberance 9 in the external surface 1.

[0078] When a user wishes to mask an actuation zone 5, by means of an electronic system interacting with the user, not shown, the piezoelectric transducer 13 of the actuation zone 5 causes the associated actuation device 7 to move from the second position to the first position.

[0079] Conversely, when a user wishes to make an actuation zone 5 visible, the piezoelectric transducer 13 of said actuation zone 5 causes the associated actuation device 7 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0080] Thus, the possibility of making an actuation zone 5 visible or invisible allows the user not to receive too much information simultaneously and thus provides a certain comfort of use to the user. This also makes it possible to add a new aesthetic aspect to the trim element, for example when it forms the dashboard of a vehicle.

[0081] When a user wishes to activate a function of the vehicle, he presses on one of the visible actuation zones 5, therefore comprising an actuation device 7 in the second position.

[0082] This mechanical action causes the actuating device 7 to move from the second position to the first position.

[0083] The piezoelectric transducer 13 of the actuation zone 5 having undergone the mechanical action, detects this structural change and transforms it into an electrical signal which is received and read by the electronic system.

[0084] The electronic system transforms the received signal into a control signal to control the desired function.

[0085] When the user's pressure on the actuation zone 5 has ceased, the electronic system sends an electrical signal to the piezoelectric transducer 13 which in turn causes the actuation device 7 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0086] The transition of the actuating device 7 from the first position to the second position advantageously creates haptic feedback perceptible by a user.

[0087] The amplitude of the haptic feedback is for example between 0.01 mm and 10 mm, and especially greater than 0.1 mm.

[0088] In the case where the amplitude of the haptic feedback is relatively low, for example when the amplitude of the haptic feedback is less than 0.1 mm, a vibration, generated by means of the electronic system and the piezoelectric transducer 13, of the actuating device 7 between the first and second positions can be envisaged in order to improve the perception of the haptic feedback for the user.

[0089] By “vibration” between the first and second positions is meant that the actuating device 7 passes from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, continuously over a number of repetitions greater than one.

[0090] The amplitude of the haptic feedback is freely fixed to the design depending on the structure of the bistable blade 11 or the element capable of geometrically deforming under a mechanical and / or electrical action replacing the bistable blade 11.

[0091] Such an amplitude is sufficiently high to be perceptible by a user's finger. The user is then assured that the action he has performed in order to control a function of the vehicle has been taken into account by the actuation device 7.

[0092] When the actuating device 7 comprises two piezoelectric transducers 13, the power of the haptic feedback is increased and the interaction system between the user and the trim element is made more efficient.

[0093] The trim element, comprising at least two actuation zones, is thus configurable in at least three configurations:

[0094] - a first configuration in which at least one of the devices actuating device 7 is in the second position to control a function of the vehicle by pressing on the actuating zone 5 comprising this actuating device 7 in the second position, and the other actuating device 7 is in the first position,

[0095] - a second configuration in which at least the two devices 7 of the actuation zones 5 are in the second position to control two separate functions of the vehicle by pressing on the actuation zones 5, and

[0096] - a third configuration in which the two actuating devices 7 are in the second position to control the same vehicle function by pressing the actuation zone(s) 5.

[0097] Thus, the trim element has several configurations, for example dependent on parameters linked to the vehicle and / or linked to the user, in which the actuation zones 5 of the same functionality of the vehicle have a different dimensional resolution.

[0098] In addition, an actuation zone 5 can act on a non-unique function of the vehicle. That is to say, an actuation zone 5 is not exclusively reserved to control a vehicle function.

[0099] For this purpose, the trim element comprises a control module, not shown, capable of momentarily assigning a function of the vehicle to one or more actuation zones 5 as a function of at least one parameter of the vehicle and / or of a user.

[0100] The control module may be included in the electronic system, or be an integral part of the vehicle's electronic system.

[0101] In other words, depending on certain parameters of the vehicle and / or the user, the same function can be momentarily assigned to several actuation zones 5. Thus, the user wishing to manage this function can press any actuation zone 5 momentarily associated with this function, and whose actuation device 7 is in the second position, in order to control the desired vehicle function.

[0102] More concretely, this means that several actuation zones 5 have the same effect on the controlled function, that is to say that, in certain configurations, the user will obtain the same result, regardless of the actuation zone 5 on which he presses.

[0103] For example, if the user wishes to control the thermal control inside the vehicle, and in particular increase the heating, the trim element comprises at least one configuration in which no matter which actuation zone 5, whose actuation device 7 is in the second position, the user presses, the result will be the same: an increase in the heating inside the vehicle.

[0104] The vehicle parameters determining the configuration of the trim element are, for example, the speed of the vehicle, and more precisely the moving or stationary state of the vehicle.

[0105] The parameters may also relate to the state of the internal lighting of the vehicle, or any parameter directly or indirectly influencing the visibility conditions inside the vehicle.

[0106] The user parameters are for example the user's age, the user's physical abilities or the user's visual abilities.

[0107] The modularity characteristic of the dimensional resolution of the actuation zones 5 of a vehicle functionality, depending on parameters such as the speed of the vehicle for example, has the considerable advantage that the user who is focused on driving the vehicle, for example when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, does not have to concentrate on the dashboard in order to find the zone associated with the function he wishes to control, and can press on any protuberance 9 formed in the external surface 1 and be sure to control the desired function. and achieve the desired result.

[0108] Therefore the user is not distracted by the management of the vehicle's functionalities.

[0109] In addition, the trim element according to the invention is then adaptable to users, and facilitates the management of the multiple functionalities of the vehicle, both according to the momentary needs and the users.

[0110] According to one example, the trim element comprises at least two actuation zones 5 each controlling a different function of the same functional device of the vehicle.

[0111] According to another example, the trim element further comprises at least two sets 15 of at least two actuation zones 5, each set being arranged to control a different functional device of the vehicle. In this case, the trim element is configurable in at least one configuration in which the actuation devices 7 of one set 15 are in the second position and the actuation devices 7 of the other set 15 are in the first position.

[0112] Thus, when a user wishes, by interaction with the electronic system, to control a specific functional device, according to the parameters of the vehicle and / or the user, the control module assigns distinct functionalities of said functional device to one or more distinct actuation zones 5 of an assembly 15.

[0113] The electronic system then sends an electrical signal to the actuation zones 5 of said assembly 15 arranged to control said functional device, in order to cause the movement of the associated actuation devices 7 from the first position to the second position.

[0114] Thus, the user has access to several actuation zones 5 of the assembly 15, each controlling a distinct function of the desired functional device while the control of the functions linked to another functional device is not accessible because the actuation devices 7 of the actuation zones 5 momentarily associated with this control are in the first position.

[0115] Applied examples will be illustrated later, with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0116] The trim element also comprises at least one backlighting device 17 arranged to illuminate the external surface 1 at least opposite the actuation zones 5.

[0117] The backlighting is controlled to be different in each configuration of the trim element.

[0118] The backlighting is for example carried out using a light guide 19 extending between the internal surface 3 and the external surface 1, and in particular extending around the different actuation zones 5.

[0119] Advantageously, the backlighting indicates to the user the actuation zone(s) 5 in which the actuation device 7 is in the second position, while the actuation zones 5 in which the actuation device 7 is in the first position are not illuminated. Thus, two indices are apparent to the user in order to guide him towards an actuation zone 5 of a functionality of the vehicle: the state of the lighting around the actuation zones 5 and the state of the actuation zones 5, having a protuberance 9 or not on the external surface 1.

[0120] Two examples of use are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

[0121] In [Fig.4], the user wishes to modify the parameters of the vehicle's thermal control functional device. Only the functionalities associated with the vehicle's thermal control are then displayed.

[0122] Three protrusions 9 corresponding to three actuation zones 5 are thus for example visible from the external surface 1 of the trim element.

[0123] Advantageously, the backlighting is configured in this situation to illuminate only the three visible actuation zones 5.

[0124] In the example, each actuation zone 5 controls a different functionality of the thermal control module. These functionalities are, for example, the heating adjustment, the ventilation adjustment and the defrosting function adjustment.

[0125] In [Fig.5], the user wishes to modify the parameters of the functional device for managing a multimedia device in the vehicle. The functionalities associated with the management of the vehicle's multimedia device are then displayed.

[0126] Three protrusions 9 corresponding to three actuation zones 5 different from the three actuation zones 5 of [Fig.4], are for example visible from the external surface 1 of the trim element.

[0127] Advantageously, the backlighting is configured in this situation to illuminate only the three visible actuation zones 5.

[0128] In the example, each actuation zone 5 controls a different functionality of the management module of a multimedia device. These functionalities are, for example, starting or stopping a multimedia device, managing the multimedia content currently being played by the “previous” function, managing the current multimedia content by the “next” function, or adjusting the sound volume of the multimedia content currently being played.

[0129] In order to guide the user in the choice of the actuation zones 5 to be actuated, pictograms 21 representative of the action carried out if the user actuates the actuation device 7 of an actuation zone 5 can be displayed.

[0130] As well as the allocation of functions to the actuation zones 5, the pic tograms 21 are assigned to the actuation zones 5, according to the functionalities they control, by the control module.

[0131] The display of these pictograms 21 is for example carried out using a screen.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the backlighting device 17 is arranged to form the pictograms 21 associated with each actuation zone 5 in which the actuation device 7 is in the second position.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, at least certain actuation zones 5 comprising an actuation device 7 in the second position, and controlling certain functions of a functional device, also control equivalent functions of another functional device. For example, an actuation zone 5 controlling the increase, respectively the reduction, of the sound volume of the content of a multimedia device being played when said actuation zone 5 is configured to control the functional device for managing a multimedia device of the vehicle, can also control the increase, respectively the reduction, of the temperature inside the vehicle when said actuation zone 5 is configured to control the functional device for thermal control of the vehicle.

[0134] This exemplary embodiment notably facilitates the use of the filling element for the user, who benefits from an intuitive experience.

[0135] The packing element as described has many advantages.

[0136] First of all, it allows modularity of the vehicle functionality management system, for example of a dashboard, depending on the use case (vehicle stationary, vehicle in motion, vehicle speed, young or elderly driver, etc.).

[0137] Additionally, the trim element provides the ability to hide or reveal features depending on the use case, and to accommodate specific driver capabilities / disabilities.

[0138] Unlike usual flat touch surfaces, this innovation allows the user to easily find the actuation zones 5 thanks to their three-dimensional shapes.

[0139] In addition, the user is also able to detect the activation of the function because he feels a real movement of the external surface 1 when he presses on an actuation zone 5.

[0140] Unlike mechanical buttons, this innovation provides a flush surface with no visible buttons when the functions are not activated.

[0141] In conclusion, such a trim element reduces the cognitive load for the user, facilitates the user's interaction with the vehicle and improves the user experience.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle trim element comprising a deformable external surface (1) and at least two actuation zones (5), each actuation zone (5) comprising an actuation device (7) for at least one function of the vehicle, said actuation device (7) being movable between a first position and a second position, in which the external surface (1) is deformed to form a protuberance (9), characterized in that the trim element is configurable in at least three configurations: - a first configuration in which at least one of the actuation devices (7) is in the second position to control a function of the vehicle by pressing on the actuation zone (5) comprising said actuation device and the other actuation device (7) is in the first position,- a second configuration in which the two actuating devices (7) are in the second position to control two distinct functions of the vehicle by pressing on the actuating zones (5) comprising said actuating devices, and - a third configuration in which the two actuating devices (7) are in the second position to control the same function of the vehicle by pressing on one of the or both actuating zones (5) comprising said actuating devices.,

2. A packing element according to claim 1, wherein each actuating device (7) comprises a bistable blade (11), the first position and the second position being stable positions of said bistable blade (11).

3. A packing element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each actuating device (7) comprises at least one piezoelectric transducer (13) configured to cause the actuating device (7) to move between the first and second positions when said piezoelectric transducer is energized.

4. A packing element according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the piezoelectric transducer (13) is mounted on the bistable blade (11) and is configured to move the bistable blade (11) between the first and second positions when said piezoelectric transducer is energized.

5. A trim element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage of each actuating device (7) from the first position to the second position creates haptic feedback perceptible by a user applying pressure to the actuating zone comprising said actuating device, the amplitude of the haptic feedback being between 0.01 mm and 10 mm, and in particular greater than 0.1 mm.

6. A trim element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trim element comprises at least one backlighting device (17) arranged to illuminate the external surface (1) at least opposite the actuation zones (5), the backlighting being different in each configuration of the trim element.

7. A trim element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two actuation zones (5) each control a different function of a functional device of the vehicle.

8. A trim element according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two sets (15) of at least two actuation zones (5), each set (15) being arranged to control a different functional device of the vehicle, the trim element being configurable in at least one configuration in which the actuation devices (7) of one set (15) are in the second position and the actuation devices (7) of the other set are in the first position.

9. A trim element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the functional device of the vehicle is a module selected from a vehicle thermal control module, a vehicle multimedia device management module, a vehicle lighting system control module, a vehicle equipment management module, and a vehicle speed management module.

10. Trim element according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a control module capable of assigning a function of the vehicle to one or more actuation zones (5) as a function of at least one parameter of the vehicle and / or of a user.

Images