Trim element comprising an integrated multi-layer display area

Abstract

Trim element comprising an integrated multi-layer display area The present invention relates to a trim element (1) comprising a display area (7) forming at least a part of an external surface (3) of the trim element (1), the display area (7) being defined by a multi-layer display device (10) extending between the external surface (3) of the trim element (1) and an internal surface (5) opposite the external surface (3), the display device (10) comprising, from the external surface (3) towards the internal surface (5), at least one diffusive layer (18), and an emitting layer (20), the emitting layer (20) being arranged to illuminate the display area (7) and the diffusive layer (18) being arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the emitting layer (20). The emitting layer (20) is at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer (18). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Trim element comprising an integrated multi-layer display area

[0001] The present invention relates to a trim element of the type comprising a display area forming at least part of an external surface of the trim element, the display area being defined by a multi-layer display device extending between the external surface of the trim element and an internal surface opposite the external surface, the display device comprising, from the external surface towards the internal surface, at least one diffusive layer, and an emitting layer, the emitting layer being arranged to illuminate the display area and the diffusive layer being arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the emitting layer.

[0002] The trim element according to the invention is for example a display module comprising a display device or a decorative part comprising a display device. The invention applies for example to a vehicle trim element.

[0003] It is known to integrate a display device into a trim element, such as a dashboard, a central console, a seat, a door panel or the like, in order to display information intended for the passengers of the vehicle and / or audiovisual content.

[0004] To do this, the display device extends inside an opaque housing, making it possible to guide and diffuse the light towards a display area on which the images of the display device are displayed. Such a housing extends for example in the body of the trim element. The display area is for example formed on a transparent window or lens and extends for example substantially in the continuity of 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, in order to display content having a satisfactory resolution for the vehicle passengers, the housing of the display device must have large dimensions, which increases the space requirement in the trim element, potentially to the detriment of other functional elements, and increases the cost of the trim element incorporating the display device.

[0006] Furthermore, although the display area extends in continuity with the remainder of the outer surface of the trim element, the transition between the display area and the area of ​​the outer surface extending around the display area remains visible, which detracts from the appearance of the trim element and reduces the impression of integration of the display device into the trim element.

[0007] One of the aims of the invention is then to propose a trim element comprising an integrated display device and whose size and cost are reduced, while preserving good resolution of the images displayed.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a packing element of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the emitting layer is at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer.

[0009] Since the emitting layer is encapsulated in the diffusive layer, the distance between the diffusive layer and the light source is minimized. The image displayed on the display area thus has increased resolution.

[0010] Furthermore, since the trim element does not require a housing as described above, the multi-layer display device is more compact and limits the space required in the trim element.

[0011] 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:

[0012] - the emitting layer comprises a support layer, a plurality of electronic diodes troluminescent and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes being printed on the support layer, said diodes being at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer;

[0013] - wherein the emitting layer comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes printed on an inner surface of the diffusive layer, said diodes being at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer;

[0014] - the trim element comprises a reflective layer arranged between the layer emitting and the inner surface, the reflective layer reflecting the light emitted by the emitting layer towards the outer surface of the packing element;

[0015] - the filling element comprises a support layer arranged between the layer reflective and the internal surface, the support layer giving the display device mechanical properties;

[0016] - the trim element comprises a decorative layer forming the external surface of the trim element, the decorative layer having a transmittance of between 1% and 40%;

[0017] - the filling element comprises a flexible layer, the inner surface of the display device being assembled by gluing to the flexible layer;

[0018] - the display area has a three-dimensional shape;

[0019] - each layer of the multi-layer display device is made by screen printing plastic.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an element of filling as described above, comprising the steps of:

[0021] - screen printing and successive baking of each layer of the device multi-layer display, from the outer surface to the inner surface, the emitting layer being printed on the diffusive layer before baking the diffusive layer.

[0022] 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:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a part of a packing element according to the invention according to a first embodiment, and

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of part of a packing element according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0025] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a packing element 1 is described extending between an external surface 3 and an internal surface 5 opposite the external surface 3.

[0026] The trim element 1 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 1 according to the invention forms a display module which can be integrated on another trim element, such as a dashboard, etc.

[0027] In the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the trim element 1 is intended to extend into a vehicle, for example to form part of a dashboard of the vehicle.

[0028] In all that follows, the terms "internal" and "interior" refer to that which faces the part of the passenger compartment on which the trim element is to be installed, as opposed to the terms "external" and "exterior" which refer to that which faces the outside of the trim element, i.e. towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0029] The external surface 3 of the trim element 1 forms the visible surface of the trim element 1 from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle by the passengers of the vehicle.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the trim element 1 comprises a support element 6 whose internal face forms the internal surface 5 of the trim element. The support element 6 is for example intended to be installed on a frame part of the vehicle. The support element 6 provides stability and robustness to the trim element 1 and forms the interface of the trim element 1 allowing it to be fixed to its environment in the vehicle.

[0031] The trim element 1 comprises a display area 7 forming at least a portion of the external surface 3 of the trim element 1. The external surface 3 may have any desired shape. In particular, the external surface 3, in particular the area display area 7, for example has a three-dimensional shape. In other words, the display area 7 has, for example, a curved surface adding an aesthetic decorative effect to the trim element 1.

[0032] The display area 7 is defined by a multi-layer display device 10 extending between the external surface 3 of the trim element 1 and the internal surface 5. By “defined” is meant that the region of the external surface 3 of the trim element 1 located opposite the display device 10 forms the display area 7.

[0033] The display device 10 comprises a light source which will be described below, in order to backlight the display area 7.

[0034] The display device 10 forms, for example, a screen and / or an animation unit with dynamic lighting. The display device 10 can be used to project light information for the passengers of the vehicle, for example relating to certain functionalities of the vehicle (multimedia management, adjustment of the temperature of the passenger compartment, etc.) or relating to the driving of the vehicle (vehicle speed, fuel level, switching on of the lights, etc.).

[0035] The display device 10 is multi-layered. That is to say, it is formed from a plurality of layers superimposed on each other, for example obtained by plastic screen printing, in particular by screen printing on Polyvinyl Chloride. The method of manufacturing such a display device 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0036] In a particular example, each layer of the display device 10 has a thickness of between 50 microns and 500 microns.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 10 comprises a decorative layer 12 forming the external surface 3 of the trim element 1. The decorative layer 12 gives its aesthetic appearance to the trim element 1. For example, the decorative layer 12 is a grained, smoked skin, made of a woven or non-woven textile, colored or even colorless. The decorative layer 12 has a transmittance of between 1% and 40%, preferably between 5% and 15%, in order to allow light to pass from its internal surface to its external surface, towards the interior of the passenger compartment as will be described in more detail later.

[0038] In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the display device 10 comprises a translucent layer 15 interposed between the internal surface 5 and the decorative layer 12. For example, the translucent layer 15 is in direct contact with the decorative layer 12, on at least a portion of the internal surface of the decorative layer 12. The translucent layer 15 is for example printed by plastic screen printing directly on the decorative layer 12. The translucent layer 15 provides mechanical strength to the display device 10. The translucent layer 15 is optional.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the device display device 10 comprises one or more masks 17. The masks 17 are for example positioned directly in contact with the translucent layer 15, towards the internal surface 5 of the trim element 1. The masks 17 can be used in order to obtain a clear outline of a backlit pattern on the display area 7 by the light source of the display device 10. Thus, such a mask 17 is formed of opaque zones blocking the passage of light towards the translucent layer 15 and one or more openings allowing light to pass towards the translucent layer 15. The shape of the opening(s) makes it possible to define the outline of the pattern that it is desired to display on the display area 7. The pattern(s) are for example representative of the information displayed on the display area 7, for example by forming pictograms.

[0040] The display device 10 comprises a diffusive layer 18, for example interposed between the internal surface 5 and the translucent layer 15 or between the internal surface 5 and the decorative layer 12 where appropriate. As will be described in more detail later, the diffusive layer 18 is arranged to diffuse the light towards the interior of the passenger compartment, and in particular towards the eyes of the passengers of the vehicle.

[0041] The display device 10 further comprises an emitting layer 20 arranged to illuminate the display area 7. The emitting layer 20 forms the light source of the display device 10 in order to backlight the display area 7. The emitting layer 20 is at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer 18, on the side of an inner surface 25 of the diffusive layer 18. In other words, the emitting layer 20 is not arranged on the diffusive layer 18, with a plane-plane contact between the inner surface 25 of the diffusive layer 18 and the outer surface of the emitting layer 20, but the emitting layer 20 is at least partially integrated in the diffusive layer 18, that is to say that the material forming the diffusive layer 18 surrounds at least a part of the emitting layer 20 or, in other words, that a part of the emitting layer 20 is “embedded” in the diffusive layer 18.The method of encapsulating the emitting layer 20 in the diffusive layer 18 will be described later.

[0042] The emitting layer 20 being encapsulated in the diffusive layer 18, the distance between the light source of the display device 10 and the diffusive layer 18 is minimized. The resolution of the image displayed on the display area 7 is then maximized. For example, the resolution of the image displayed on the display area 7 is between 30 dpi and 300 dpi, preferably is substantially equal to 150 dpi.

[0043] A first embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 1], will now be described. In this embodiment, the emitting layer 20 comprises a support layer 22. In order to emit light, a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes 24 are printed on the support layer 22. support 22, more particularly on the external surface of the support layer 22. Said diodes 24 are then at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer 18. More particularly, the diodes 24 extend projecting outwards from the external surface of the support layer 22 and are embedded in the diffusive layer 18 so that the material of the diffusive layer 18 surrounds the diodes 24. According to one embodiment, the whole of each diode 24 extends into the diffusive layer 18 outside its internal surface 25 applied against the support layer 22.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the support layer 22 is itself partially integrated into the internal surface 25 of the diffusive layer 18.

[0045] For example, a number of diodes 24 corresponding to a number of pixels between 1 and 1 million, preferably between 10,000 pixels and 100,000 pixels depending on the desired image sizes and resolution, are printed on the support layer 22.

[0046] A second embodiment, with reference to [Fig.2], will now be described. Below will only be described the features which differ from the first embodiment. Accordingly, all features not described below are considered similar to the first embodiment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the emitting layer 20 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes 26 directly printed on the inner surface 25 of the diffusive layer 18. Said diodes 26 are then at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer 18, that is to say that the material of the diffusive layer 18 surrounds at least a part of each diode 26. According to one embodiment, the whole of each diode 26 extends into the diffusive layer 18 outside its inner surface 25. For example, a number of diodes 26 corresponding to a number of pixels between 1 and 1 million, preferably between 10,000 pixels and 100,000 pixels depending on the desired image and resolution sizes, are printed on the diffusive layer 18.

[0048] The diffusive layer 18 makes it possible to harmonize the light emitted by the diodes 24, 26, in order to improve the lighting of the display area 7.

[0049] A power supply system, not shown, for the diodes 24, 26 is provided in the display device 10 in order to connect the emitting layer 20 to a power source, present for example in the vehicle.

[0050] All or part of the diodes 24, 26 can be activated by a passenger of the vehicle or by a control unit, not shown, in order to represent a pattern on the display area 7, or to project a light spot. The pattern is for example representative of an icon characteristic of a functionality of the vehicle.

[0051] Independently of the different embodiments described above, the trim element 1 for example also comprises a reflective layer 30. The reflective layer 30 is for example arranged between the emitting layer 20 and the internal surface 5 of the trim element 1. In particular, the reflective layer 30 is for example printed directly in contact with the emitting layer 20. The reflective layer 30 reflects the light emitted by the emitting layer 20 towards the external surface 3 of the trim element 1. Thus, the reflective layer 30 reflects the light emitted by the emitting layer 20 towards the interior to direct this light towards the exterior and concentrate the light rays towards the external surface 3 of the trim element 1. This thus increases the brightness of the image displayed on the display area 7. The user then perceives a sufficiently bright image on the display area 7.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the display device 10 finally comprises a support layer 33 arranged between the reflective layer 30 and the internal surface 5 of the trim element 1. The support layer 33 gives the display device 10 a certain mechanical strength and stability.In the particular example of Figs. 1 and 2, the support layer 33 is directly printed in contact with the internal surface of the reflective layer 30.

[0053] The display device 10 thus formed from the different layers mentioned above therefore forms a unit in its own right, which can then be added and / or assembled with any part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, or even with an integral part of a room of a building. The display device 10 then has a total thickness, that is to say from its internal surface to its external surface, for example between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, preferably substantially equal to 0.5 mm.

[0054] The display device 10 therefore has a particularly reduced size while providing an optimally backlit display area 7.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the trim element 1 comprises a flexible layer 36 on which the display device 10 is assembled, for example by gluing. In particular, the internal surface of the display device 10, and even more particularly the internal surface of the support layer 33, is glued to the flexible layer 36. The flexible layer 36 is for example a layer of foam or a layer of textile, for example formed from an assembly of threads perpendicular to the assembly surface of the flexible layer 36 with the display device 10. The flexible layer 36 provides a feeling of comfort for the passengers of the vehicle, unlike a screen formed from a window, which would have much more rigid sensory properties and therefore less pleasant for the passengers of the vehicle.

[0056] By flexible, we mean that the flexible layer 36 deforms when pressure is exerted on one of its faces, the pressure being for example applied by a user's finger.

[0057] The flexible layer 36 is itself assembled with the support element 6 of the filling element 1.

[0058] A method of manufacturing a packing element 1 as described above, independent- depending on the different embodiments, will now be described.

[0059] The first step of the method of manufacturing the trim element 1 as described above comprises the manufacturing of the display device 10.

[0060] Each layer of the display device 10 is made of plastic material and successively printed by plastic screen printing and baked in order to solidify the plastic material.

[0061] For example, the plastic material used is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0062] In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the first printed layer is the decorative layer 12. The decorative layer 12 is then baked at a temperature of between 150°C and 180°C, preferably substantially equal to 170°C, for a duration of between 30 seconds and 50 seconds, preferably substantially equal to 40 seconds, in order to be solidified.

[0063] In succession, each subsequent layer of the display device 10, towards the internal surface 5 of the trim element 1, is in turn printed, in the liquid or viscous state, on the previous layer, then heated for solidification. Each layer being printed using liquid or viscous PVC, it adheres directly to the previous layer without requiring the addition of an adhesive between the layers.

[0064] When the diffusive layer 18 is printed, for example on the translucent layer 15, it is not directly baked. The emitting layer 20 is first printed on the diffusive layer 18 while it is still liquid or viscous, in order to encapsulate the emitting layer 20 in the diffusive layer 18. In other words, when the emitting layer 20 is printed on the internal surface 25 of the diffusive layer 18, the material of the emitting layer 20 sinks at least partly into the material of the diffusive layer 18.

[0065] When the desired encapsulation of the emitting layer 20 in the diffusive layer 18 is achieved, the diffusive 18 and emitting 20 layers are baked together in order to fix the embedding of the emitting layer 20 in the diffusive layer 18 before continuing the printing of the following layers.

[0066] Finally, when the last layer of the display device 10 is printed and baked, in particular when the support layer 33 is printed and baked, the display device is assembled with the flexible layer 36. For example, the support layer 33 is glued with the flexible layer 36, for example by applying a spray adhesive to the support layer 33 and / or to the flexible layer 36.

[0067] Finally, the display device 10 and the flexible layer 36 are assembled with the support element 6.

[0068] In a variant, not shown, the display device 10 also comprises functional capabilities such that a passenger of the vehicle can interact with the display device 10 so as to control certain functionalities of the vehicle. The display device 10 then comprises for this purpose a set of capacitive sensors and / or piezoelectric sensors assembled on the emitting layer 20. Thus, the necessary connections, on the one hand to power the diodes 24, 26, and on the other hand to communicate and / or receive information from the capacitive and / or piezoelectric sensors, are gathered in the same layer of the display device 10. This thus facilitates the assembly of the display device 10.

[0069] Such a packing element 1 has numerous advantages.

[0070] First of all, the display device 10 as described makes it possible, through the different layers composing it, and thanks to the small thickness of each layer, to limit the size in the trim element 1 as well as in the vehicle. Furthermore, the production cost of the trim element 1 is then reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, thanks to the relative position of the emitting layer and the diffusive layer, and in particular thanks to the short distance separating them, the resolution of the displayed image is improved. The reflective layer also makes it possible to return and concentrate the light coming from the emitting layer towards the external surface of the trim element, the brightness as well as the sharpness of the image displayed on the display area is optimized.

[0072] The trim element 1 is fully integrated into the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and therefore presents a new aesthetic appearance for the passengers of the vehicle. In particular, when the display device is not activated, the trim element has an aesthetic and uniform external surface, the transition between the display area 7 and the external surface extending around the display area not being visible to the passengers of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim element (1) comprising a display area (7) forming at least a portion of an outer surface (3) of the trim element (1), the display area (7) being defined by a multi-layer display device (10) extending between the outer surface (3) of the trim element (1) and an inner surface (5) opposite the outer surface (3), the display device (10) comprising, from the outer surface (3) to the inner surface (5), at least one diffusive layer (18), and one emitting layer (20), the emitting layer (20) being arranged to illuminate the display area (7) and the diffusive layer (18) being arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the emitting layer (20), characterized in that the emitting layer (20) is at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer (18).

2. A packing element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emitting layer (20) comprises a support layer (22), a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes (24) being printed on the support layer (22), said diodes (24) being at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer (18).

3. A packing element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emitting layer (20) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and / or microscopic light-emitting diodes (26) printed on an inner surface (25) of the diffusive layer (18), said diodes (26) being at least partly encapsulated in the diffusive layer (18).

4. A packing element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the packing element (1) comprises a reflective layer (30) arranged between the emitting layer (20) and the inner surface (5), the reflective layer (30) reflecting light emitted by the emitting layer (20) towards the outer surface (3) of the packing element (1).

5. A trim element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the trim element (1) comprises a backing layer (33) arranged between the reflective layer (30) and the inner surface (5), the backing layer (33) providing the display device (10) with mechanical properties.

6. A packing element (1) according to any one of the claims

7.

8.

9.

10. previous, wherein the trim element (1) comprises a decorative layer (12) forming the external surface (3) of the trim element (1), the decorative layer (12) having a transmittance of between 1% and 40%. A trim element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trim element (1) comprises a flexible layer (36), the inner surface (5) of the display device (10) being assembled by bonding to the flexible layer (36). A trim element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the display area (7) has a three-dimensional shape. A trim element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each layer of the multi-layer display device (10) is produced by plastic screen printing. Method of manufacturing a packing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - screen printing and successive baking of each layer of the multi-layer display device (10), from the external surface (3) to the internal surface (5), the emitting layer (20) being printed on the diffusive layer (18) before baking of the diffusive layer (18).

Images