Interior glass trim element for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for dissipating kinetic energy within a motor vehicle during an impact on a glass trim element, the method comprising the step of fastening the glass trim element to a support to provide an assembly to be incorporated into the interior body of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the support further comprises means for dissipating kinetic energy during an impact with or without permanent deformation. [Selection diagram] None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for dissipating kinetic energy inside a motor vehicle during an impact in a glass interior trim element. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for dissipating kinetic energy during an impact in a center console or any trim element for a motor vehicle. The center console includes a console body and a trim element attached on the console body.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle interior trim means an article that can be added inside an automobile or a motor vehicle in general (automobiles, buses, trains, etc.) to enhance its attractiveness. There are several types of vehicle trims. Some are used to protect certain parts inside the vehicle from unwanted damage that may be caused by passengers, while others are for aesthetic purposes only.

[0003] However, today, automobile manufacturers tend to use more glass inside the vehicle, especially as a cover glass for the dashboard, which particularly tends to have, for example, an analog-digital hybrid touch panel device and a display as its recognition method behind the cover.

[0004] Also, not only for aesthetic reasons, but especially to add more functionality to certain parts inside the vehicle, especially trim elements, automobile manufacturers are seeking to replace trim elements made of plastic, wood, etc. with glass because they are scratch-resistant and more functionality can be added to them.

[0005] Also, in many vehicles and particularly in automobiles, a vehicle console is disposed between the left and right front seats. Typically, the center console is fixed to the dashboard of the automobile and extends thereon. Also, the center console can be installed to the left and right of the rear seats. In order to make the interior of the automobile more beautiful and comfortable, a normally decorated panel covering the exposed portion of the center console (such as control devices for CD players, audio, climate, infotainment, etc.) is attached on the center console and particularly on the upper side of the center console.

[0006] Generally, the top of the center console is manufactured from plastic, polycarbonate elements (the plastic material is used as a cover for the entire console system). This solution is often an aesthetic one, but it is not possible to directly add some functions onto the center console as such "touch screen functionality" with good efficiency, etc. Furthermore, the disadvantages of having a center console molded from plastic are as follows: Since touch functionality is not enabled by plastic, unnecessary buttons have to be provided on the console in excess. Eventually, a large number of buttons will confuse the driver (safety aspect). Moreover, due to the lack of a seamless effect, dust will stick around buttons, etc., making it even more difficult to clean the center console (hygiene drawback). The plastic material used to cover the center console is hardly recyclable, while glass is infinitely recyclable (environmental issue). The molding process of plastic parts results in plastic being waste (the price of recyclable plastic is not competitive with that of newer plastic, and thus there are currently no viable options to address this environmental issue). Generally, the plastic material used as a glass cover is not highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, and the transparent color will turn yellow over time (deterioration of design). Furthermore, in order to exhibit the same rigidity as glass, a cover made of plastic is heavier than a cover made of glass. For this reason, the plastic material solution is not optimal for this automotive part in order to lighten the vehicle. As the technology cycle becomes even faster, a glass center console will enable flexibility for the IT upgrades to be carried out and seamless connectivity with nomadic devices. By having a glass center console, it will be able to reconcile many different software typically supported by the vehicle with one operating system located and commanded from the same place. Furthermore, in contrast to most of the materials currently used as parts of the center console, glass promotes the utilization of ambient light (improving the comfort / convenience of the passengers).Furthermore, the passenger does not want to see any more plastic inside the vehicle, just as they do not want to see it inside their home or office.

[0007] Current interior or functional components are mainly manufactured from decorative plastics. Therefore, fixing elements can be directly incorporated into these components. However, plastic components have the disadvantage that due to their low abrasion resistance, they are damaged when touched and over the service life of the vehicle. Furthermore, the effect of having plastic in a vehicle for the user interface (visible decorative or functional panels) is not optimal for a high-quality finish, and plastic is considered a low-quality material. Another criterion is the tactile feel when touching plastic; the user feels they are touching a weak material, and the sensation on the fingertips is hot and soft, giving the impression of a low-quality material. Therefore, current solutions do not require the incorporation of specific intermediate components for the assembly.

[0008] Thus, a glass trim element or glass console preferably has a better aesthetic appearance and can enhance the attractiveness of the vehicle. Since the glass trim element must comply with safety regulations, it is even more difficult to fix it inside the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for dissipating kinetic energy inside a motor vehicle during an impact on a glass interior trim element. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for dissipating kinetic energy during an impact in a center console for a motor vehicle, including a console body and a trim element attached to the console body or a trim element on a dashboard.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0010] To avoid any doubt, the present invention is applicable to all means of transport such as motor vehicles, trains, airplanes, etc.

[0011] According to the present invention, the method includes the step of fixing a glass trim element to a support to provide an assembly incorporated into the interior body of a motor vehicle. According to the present invention, the support further includes means for dissipating the kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation.

[0012] Preferably, the means for dissipating the kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, is provided under the support to sufficiently dissipate the kinetic energy during impact.

[0013] Thus, the present invention proposes a solution for dissipating kinetic energy during impact. Indeed, in the event of an impact on a glass trim supported on the interior frame of a vehicle and in particular on a plastic frame or metal part, the glass trim element may break into small sharp flying particles, posing a danger to the vehicle occupants.

[0014] For the present invention, a solution is provided for reducing the deformation of the glass during impact while dispersing the impact energy by a structural member supporting the glass trim element. Generally, 100 joules must be dissipated during impact.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the means for dissipating the kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, is manufactured from a material selected from foam, plastic or rubber and is provided under the glass trim element and the support. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for dissipating the kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, is manufactured from foam.

[0016] Thus, during impact, the glass trim element does not break or the impact does not result in protrusions of glass fragments. Damage to the glass is limited to potential cracks within the glass.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, are provided around the peripheral surface or the entire surface of the glass trim element in contact with the support. Thus, preferably, the dissipation of energy by impact occurs by friction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, comprise at least 90% by weight of polypropylene or ethylene propylene diene monomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, polyurethane.

[0019] The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, has a density of 10 g / l to 50 g / l. If the density is below 10 g / l, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, is very flexible (pliable) and does not dissipate sufficient energy. If the density is above 10 g / l, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, is very rigid and impedes proper deceleration.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact, with or without permanent deformation, has a thickness greater than 20 mm and has proper shock mitigation and proper energy deceleration.

[0021] Thus, the present invention relates, in a preferred embodiment, to a method comprising the step of fixing a glass trim element to a support to provide an assembly incorporated into the interior body of a motor vehicle, wherein the glass trim element is an upper portion provided on a console base. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle as an automotive vehicle.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element can extend from a console base and completely or partially cover the dashboard. The glass trim element can be manufactured in one or several configurations.

[0023] Thus, for the present invention, large glass trim elements can be used as interior glass trim elements of motor vehicles.

[0024] The present invention relates to the fixing of a frame coupled to a glass trim element for suppressing glass deformation and simultaneously absorbing energy in the case of static and dynamic loads / impacts, for the sake of a suitable structure and especially for means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact with or without permanent deformation imparted between the glass trim element and the support.

[0025] According to the present invention, the frame is preferably manufactured from a thermoplastic resin material, or steel, or a composite material, or a combination thereof, in order to provide sufficient rigidity to the modular glass having the frame to reduce glass deformation and reduce the risk of glass breakage.

[0026] Preferably, the frame is designed to have structural ribs so as to significantly enhance the mechanical resistance of the module "glass / frame" and make it very rigid.

[0027] Optionally, the rigid assembly is combined with elements below this assembly, and these elements are manufactured to withstand the static load applied to the assembly but to break in the case of brittle materials or in the case of excessive loads such as collisions.

[0028] This combination of a rigid frame and a fixing element for supporting the glass and avoiding glass deformation is preferably made for the purpose of developing a safe product that complies with rules such as those of European norms E / ECE / 324, Regulation R21 of E / ECE / Trans / 505, etc., and that provides a design that meets the requirements as well.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support for providing an assembly incorporated in an automotive vehicle and in particular in the interior body of an automobile is a frame made of plastic.

[0030] Thus, the present invention proposes using plastic as an intermediate material and using glass for some of the user interface parts. More specifically, the areas frequently touched by the user as decorative parts and / or functional parts are replaced by glass, and a plastic material is used for being assembled to the glass and connected to the interior body of the automobile. The present invention has the advantage that the plastic can be easily adapted and shaped in different ways and can be fixed to the glass. For this reason, all the fixing elements can be included in a plastic frame fixed to the glass, which is used as a user interface and provides a much better finish to the user.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element is a trim element attached to an upper part of a center console body on which a functional element and at least one trim element are attached, or a trim element for any other decorative area or glass having some functionality as a touch screen, such as an inner trim of a door, a rear part of a vehicle seat or a headrest of a vehicle seat, an inserter of a door as an elbow rest cover.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element can be a cover glass of a dashboard. Because today, automobile manufacturers tend to use more glass in the vehicle, especially as a cover glass of the dashboard, which, in particular, tends to have a display, for example, an analog-digital hybrid touch panel device and its recognition method, behind the cover.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle and more particularly the center console of an automobile includes a console body and at least one trim element disposed on an upper portion of the console body. The trim element may extend from a rear portion of the center console disposed between the left and right front seats to a lower portion of the dashboard. For example, three trim elements may be used to cover the upper portion of the center console. It is understood that the console body and the trim element may extend between the left and right rear seats. The upper trim element may cover the upper portion of the center console from a central portion of the center console to a portion directly above the dashboard. This trim element may be flat or have a weak curvature. Some access to functional components may be provided through this trim element. The central portion exhibits a curvature that exactly matches the design of the center console. The central portion may exhibit an opening having access to functional buttons for controlling, for example, sound, air conditioning, etc. The opening may be covered by another glass plate that can be opened, for example, by a sliding motion. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the functional buttons placed within the trim element may be replaced by a touch function, eliminating the functional buttons that generally protrude from the center console and compromising the aesthetics. Finally, a third trim element may cover a portion disposed between the left and right front seats. This trim element in this particular embodiment exhibits, for example, some holes for a storage partition or a cup holder system.

[0034] In one embodiment, the storage partition may be provided between the left and right front seats. In a preferred embodiment, the storage partition is covered by a fourth trim element, which corresponds to a lid that can be opened and is similarly made of a glass plate. In that case, the trim element may preferably extend to the partition lid.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the upper trim element extends to the dashboard and incorporates a display panel such as a GPS, CD / audio player screen, etc.

[0036] According to the present invention, the trim element is made of a glass plate. Preferably, the trim element is made of soda-lime silica as described below.

[0037] It is understood that different trim elements can be made of the same glass or can be different to meet different specifications required by automobile manufacturers.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trim or decorative element can be present as a door handle profile, a door panel, a trim element of a dashboard, the rear of a seat, etc. in a motor vehicle and in particular in the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support for providing the interior body of a motor vehicle and more particularly the assembly incorporated into the interior body of a motor vehicle is a frame made of plastic that conforms to the shape curvature of the glass trim element.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element is pre-assembled into a plastic frame before being incorporated into the interior body of a motor vehicle.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plastic frame is provided behind the glass trim element.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the plastic frame is provided under and around the glass trim element.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plastic frame is provided on the glass trim by adhesion using tape, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, or further by mechanical fixing such as clips or screws.

[0044] According to the present invention, the plastic frame can be manufactured by known encapsulation methods, or by 3D printing, or by all suitable methods for manufacturing such a plastic frame.

[0045] The connection of the plastic frame to the glass can be carried out by different means, such as a single-component or two-component glue, tape, thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin or mechanical fixation such as clips, screws, etc.

[0046] The assembly of the rigid frame to the glass structure is manufactured by a suitable material that can withstand the difference in thermal expansion of different materials. Therefore, in order to cope with the dimensional changes caused by the different thermal expansion rates of the materials used in the assembly, viscoelastic materials as described, such as glues (PU, silicone, MS polymer) or thermoplastic resin elastomers having a suitable shear strain preferably of 10% - 300% or more are used.

[0047] Furthermore, the plastic frame shape can be adapted to any geometric shape of the glass, for example, in the case of a center console, holes made in the glass to incorporate a storage box, etc. The storage box can be similarly closed with a glass moving cover to provide the same high-quality finish, and this cover can be connected to the rest of the body using the same interface through the plastic frame. The plastic interface structure offers the advantage of being able to incorporate mechanisms for such applications.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plastic frame is made of a material selected from thermoplastic resins such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC - ABS), polyamide (PA6), polyamide copolymer (PA66), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), etc. or thermosetting materials such as polyurethane (PUR), epoxy (EP), etc., with or without using fillers for providing additional properties such as glass fibers for mechanical reinforcement.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element is provided with a safety backing to improve the safety of the glass and prevent fragments from spreading inside the vehicle in case of breakage. Also, the defined frame of the present invention is applicable for fixing to the glass together with such a safety backing.

[0050] The present invention relates to the use of a plastic frame that is coupled to the glass on the back side, and incorporates several functions into this plastic frame, such as reinforcement for meeting specifications under load, fixing points to the internal body of the vehicle, fixing shapes to the glass, provisions for fixing to functional elements / decorative elements, and geometric aspects that match provisions for connection to the vehicle interface, etc.

[0051] The main functions of the frame can be listed as follows: - Serving as an interface between the glass and the body, - Reinforcement of the sub-assembly that can be advantageously adapted according to the glass used, - Use and support of other decorative elements such as distinct formed edges, panels, etc., - Having aesthetic functions in some areas that are slightly visible and thus do not affect the advantages provided by the glass, - Use as different functional substrates and / or masking, such as connections that provide added value to the sub-assembly through the frame and / or the glass. In particular, the added value and connection elements through the frame can be touch functions, buttons, edge lighting, LEDs, screens, sound devices, vibration devices, etc. in the glass, - Use as a partial support for glass pieces that can be added to the main console to provide a decorative aspect. The decoration can be, in particular, a frame used as a support for tinted glass, glass with engraving, glass with light integration, and cables, - Reduction of noise / vibration between the glass cover and the main internal body of the vehicle, - Ensure that the deformation of the glass is minimized when the described shock / impact occurs, while allowing for appropriate energy absorption.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the support for providing an assembly incorporated into a motor vehicle and in particular the interior body of an automobile can be a frame made of a metallic material such as zamac, aluminum, magnesium (thixomolding), etc.

[0053] According to the present invention, at least one trim element is made of a glass plate.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the console body is mounted on the floor panel of the vehicle. Generally, the console body includes a console base mounted on the floor panel and left and right support frames extending upward from the left and right side portions of the console base portion.

[0055] Generally, functional components and trim elements can be mounted on the upper side of the console body. The trim element is generally mounted on a cover or surrounds some functional components (e.g., CD player, air conditioning control device, etc.).

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trim element extends from the rear of the center console to the dashboard of the vehicle. In the context of the present invention, the terms front and rear mean the front end and the rear end of the motor vehicle.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the present invention, for the "touch function" that provides a touch panel, the functional components can be directly managed from the trim element. Thus, the trim element made of a glass plate may function as a host for different functionalities around the electronic device and vehicle control information, connectivity, touch, display, and audio. Thus, the upper part of the center console, for example, can be made of a glass plate in a larger part of the upper part of the center console without using buttons that damage the aesthetics of controlling the audio control volume and on / off, engine start / stop system, head-up display control system, glazing opening, display system control device, and enable circulation of the vehicle information display on different glass panels, control of SMART glazing, etc. According to this embodiment, the touch panel can be curved for improved ergonomic conditions (view adaptation and glare-related problems) for the driver / occupant. Cavities can be machined on the trim element to provide tactile feedback on the transparent glass plate for easy detection of the touch sensor (for driver safety reasons).

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is made on a single glass plate extending from the rear part of the console body to the dashboard where the touch function is incorporated.

[0059] Assuming that there is a feeling that there is only a single glass plate from the rear part of the center console to the dashboard, the trim element can thus extend up to the display panel provided on the dashboard.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the center console can be made of several glass plates, if necessary for the hiding function.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention, certain lighting means can be incorporated within or on the edge of the center console, for example, as OLED, LED, special glass paint / enamel backing. A polycarbonate plate can be provided behind the glass trim element to better diffuse the light.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is made of a single glass plate extending from the rear of the console body to the dashboard where openings are arranged to provide access to the functional components. Such openings can be covered by glass plate pieces that can be opened.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trim element can be fixed to the console body by adhesion or encapsulation.

[0064] Advantageously, the center console has an upward opening and can store small items therein and can provide a storage partition. To open the storage partition of the console body, the center console of the vehicle has, for example, a first opening mode for opening the console base partition by sliding the trim element. In that case, the storage partition lid can be made of a glass plate and can be encapsulated, for example, with PU, TPE, PVC, LCP, TPO or similar materials so as to be in the same plane as the rest of the center panel when closed. This encapsulation is not limited to this area of the center console.

[0065] According to the present invention, the center console is made of a flat glass plate that can be bent or thermoformed to conform to the shape of the automobile. The flat glass plate can be decorative or can be processed to provide access to CDs, plugs, storage partitions, cup holder systems, buttons, gearsticks, lighters or auxiliary power outlets, audio control devices, climate control / air conditioning systems and optionally display screens (or other types of systems that require holes drilled in the glass plate surface).

[0066] The glass according to the present invention can be made of glass belonging to various categories. Thus, the glass can be, for example, soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate type glass. Preferably and for reasons of lower manufacturing cost, the glass plate according to the present invention is a soda-lime-silica glass plate.

[0067] In a non-limiting embodiment, the basic composition of the glass according to the present invention, in terms of content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass, SiO2 55 - 85% Al2O3 0 - 30% B2O3 0 - 20% Na2O 0 - 25% CaO 0 - 20% MgO 0 - 15% K2O 0 - 20% BaO 0 - 20% includes.

[0068] In another embodiment, the basic composition of the glass according to the present invention, in terms of content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass, SiO2 55 - 78% Al2O3 0 - 18% B2O3 0 - 18% Na2O 0 - 20% CaO 0 - 15% MgO 0 - 10% K2O 0 - 10% BaO 0 - 5% includes.

[0069] In another embodiment and for reasons of lower cost, the glass is soda-lime glass. Advantageously, the basic composition of the glass according to the present invention, in terms of content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass, SiO2 60 - 75% Al2O3 0 - 6% B2O3 0 - 4% CaO 0 - 15% MgO 0 - 10% Na2O 5 - 20% K2O 0 - 10% BaO 0 - 5% includes.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the composition of the glass sheet may further comprise one or more components / colorants in appropriate amounts as a function of the desired effect. This / these component(s) / colorant(s) can be used, for example, to "neutralize" the color caused by the presence of chromium and thus make the coloring of the glass of the invention closer to or colorless. Instead, this / these colorants can be used, for example, to obtain a desired color other than the color that can be caused by the presence of chromium.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, especially when a touch function is expected on the glass sheet of the central console, the glass sheet preferably has special enhanced infrared transmission properties to enhance the performance of the glass. Due to its high transmission of infrared rays, such a glass sheet can be advantageously used in a touch screen, or a touch panel, or a touch pad to detect the position of one or more objects (e.g., a finger or a stylus) on the surface of the said sheet using planar scattering detection (PSD) or frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) optical techniques. Thus, the solution proposed in the present invention to provide a glass with high infrared reflectance (RIR) consists of incorporating a specific range of content of chromium into the glass composition.

[0072] Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the glass sheet preferably has a content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass: Total iron (expressed in the form of Fe2O3) 0.002 - 0.06% Cr2O3 0.0001 - 0.06% and has a composition comprising the same.

[0073] Such glass compositions that combine low iron and chromium contents exhibit particularly good performance with respect to infrared reflectance (RIR) and high transparency in the visible range. These compositions are described, for example, in the following documents: WO 2014 / 128016 A1 pamphlet, WO 2014 / 180679 A1 pamphlet, WO 2015 / 011040 A1 pamphlet, WO 2015 / 011041 A1 pamphlet, WO 2015 / 011042 A1 pamphlet, WO 2015 / 011043 A1 pamphlet, and WO 2015 / 011044 A1 pamphlet.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the glass sheet contains 0.002 - 0.06% total iron (expressed in the form of Fe₂O₃) 0.0015 - 1% Cr₂O₃ 0.0001 - 1% Co and has a composition including the above.

[0075] Such chromium - and cobalt - based glass compositions exhibit particularly good performance with respect to infrared reflectance RIR while offering interesting possibilities regarding aesthetics / color (ranging from blue to strong color neutrality or complete opacity). Such compositions are described in European Patent Application Publication No. 13198454.4.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the glass sheet has a content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass: 0.02 - 1% total iron (expressed in the form of Fe₂O₃) 0.002 - 0.5% Cr₂O₃ 0.0001 - 0.5% Co and has a composition including the above.

[0077] Preferably, in this embodiment, the composition includes 0.06% < total iron ≤ 1%.

[0078] Such a composition based on chromium and cobalt is used to obtain a colored glass sheet in the blue-green range that is equivalent in terms of color and light transmittance to the blue and green glasses available on the market, but has particularly good performance with respect to infrared reflection. Such a composition is described in European Patent Application Publication No. 15172780.7.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the glass sheet has a content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass: Total iron (expressed in the form of Fe2O3) 0.002 to 1% Cr2O3 0.001 to 0.5% Co 0.0001 to 0.5% Se 0.0003 to 0.5% and has a composition containing the above.

[0080] Such a glass composition based on chromium, cobalt and selenium shows particularly good performance with respect to infrared reflection while offering interesting possibilities with respect to aesthetics / color (ranging from neutral gray to slightly darker colors in the gray-bronze range). Such a composition is described in European Patent Application Publication No. 15172779.9.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the glass sheet is, in weight percentages based on the total weight of the glass, 65 ≦ SiO2 ≦ 78% 5 ≦ Na2O ≦ 20% 0 ≦ K2O < 5% 1 ≦ Al2O3 < 6% 0 ≦ CaO < 4.5% 4 ≦ MgO ≦ 12%; and includes a (MgO / (MgO + CaO)) ratio ≧ 0.5.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the glass sheet is, in weight percentages based on the total weight of the glass, 65 ≦ SiO2 ≦ 78% 5 ≦ Na2O ≦ 20% 1 ≦ K2O < 8% 1 ≦ Al2O3 < 6% 2 ≦ CaO < 10% 0 ≦ MgO ≦ 8% It contains and has a K2O / (K2O + Na2O) ratio of 0.1 to 0.7.

[0083] Some other compositions of the glass can be used, and such compositions are described, for example, in the following documents: European Patent Application Publication No. 14167942.3, European Patent Application Publication No. 14177487.7.

[0084] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention that can be combined with the previous embodiments, the glass plate can be coated with a layer or film (for example, a colored PVB film) that enables it to mitigate or neutralize the color that may be caused by the presence of chromium.

[0085] The glass plate according to the present invention can advantageously be chemically or thermally tempered to avoid scratching and increase the resistance of the upper part of the center console.

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one trim element is made of a flat or curved chemically strengthened glass plate. Typically, chemical strengthening is achieved by immersing the glass plate in a molten salt bath at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature to exchange Na + ions with K + ions on the surface of the glass plate. Advantageously, the bath consists of high-purity KNO3, and the treatment is carried out at a temperature of 350°C to 470°C for 1 to 24 hours. Chemical strengthening is preferably applied to glass plates with a thickness of less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm, or even better less than 0.7 mm.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass plate is coated with at least one transparent and electrically conductive thin layer. The transparent and conductive thin layer according to the present invention can be, for example, a layer based on SnO2:F, SnO2:Sb or ITO (indium tin oxide), ZnO:Al or similarly ZnO:Ga.

[0088] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the glass plate is coated with at least one anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer according to the present invention can be, for example, a layer based on porous silica having a low refractive index, or it can be composed of a stack of several layers (laminate), in particular a stack of dielectric material layers that alternately repeat layers with low and high refractive indices and end with a layer having a low refractive index. Also, a textured glass plate can be used to suppress reflections inside the vehicle. Etching or coating techniques can also be used to avoid reflections.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the glass plate is coated with at least one fingerprint-resistant layer or is treated to reduce or prevent fingerprints. This embodiment is also advantageous when using the glass plate of the present invention as the front surface of a touch screen. Such a layer or such a treatment can be combined with a transparent and electrically conductive thin layer deposited on the opposite surface. Such a layer can be combined with an anti-reflection layer deposited on the same surface, with the fingerprint-resistant layer on the outside of the laminate and thus covering the anti-reflection layer.

[0090] According to the desired application and / or properties, other layers can be deposited on one and / or the other surface of the glass plate according to the present invention.

[0091] The glass sheet according to the present invention can be a glass sheet obtained by the floating method, the drawing method, the rolling method, or any other method known for manufacturing a glass sheet starting from a molten glass composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glass sheet is a float glass sheet. The term "float glass sheet" is understood to mean a glass sheet formed by the float glass process, which includes pouring molten glass onto a bath of molten tin under reducing conditions. A float glass sheet includes, in known manner, a "tin side", i.e. the side of the glass body close to the surface of the glass sheet where tin is concentrated. The term "concentration of tin" is understood to mean an increase in the concentration of tin with respect to the composition of the core glass, which may or may not be substantially zero (no tin).

[0092] The glass sheet according to the present invention can have a thickness varying from 0.1 to 25 mm. Advantageously, for touch panel applications, the glass sheet according to the present invention can have a thickness varying from 0.1 to 6 mm. Preferably, for touch screen applications, for weight reasons, the thickness of the glass sheet according to the present invention is from 0.1 to 2.2 mm.

[0093] According to the present invention, the glass sheet exhibits a curvature and a specific design that exactly match the upper part of the central console.

[0094] To provide a better aesthetic appearance of the central console, the trim element can be made of a digitally printed or silk-screened glass sheet, an etched glass sheet, a painted / enameled glass sheet, a cast glass sheet, an antibacterial glass sheet, a colored float glass sheet.

[0095] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is made of a laminated glass sheet. According to this embodiment, at least two glass sheets are laminated using at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer. Advantageously, a colored or active intermediate layer is present between at least two glass sheets. The intermediate layer or the layer between the glass and the intermediate layer can have a low refractive index (<1.43, <1.4, <1.38,... <1.3) to ensure TIR of the upper glass if compatible from the point of view of infrared absorption.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one trim element is made of a heat-treated glass plate, such as a tempered or heat-strengthened and / or bent glass plate. Typically, this requires heating a glass plate (coated or uncoated) in a furnace to a temperature of at least 580°C, more preferably at least about 600°C and even more preferably at least 620°C, and then rapidly cooling the glass substrate. This heat strengthening and / or bending can be carried out for at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes or more in different states.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass trim element can be, for example, a cover glass combined with a polycarbonate plate adhered behind the cover glass and possibly a display adhered behind.

[0098] In this way, a center console including a glass trim element or at least a trim element made of a glass plate according to the present invention may provide a glass trim element or a center console having one or more of the following advantages. - Higher mechanical resistance / scratch resistance, - Improved stiffness / weight ratio, - Higher aging resistance / weather resistance (sunlight exposure), - The possibility of providing a better finish / appearance, - The possibility of having a transparent trim element (for backlighting, screen integration, etc.), - The possibility of having a glare control treatment and / or a fingerprint-resistant coating, - Better recyclability, - Seamless connectivity with nomadic devices, - The ability of the glass trim element to hide a seamless audio function (audio glass), - Better hygienic aspects, - Better comfort / convenience, - The possibility that some functionality can be made to special specifications for the occupants, - The possibility of accommodating many different softwares in one place for one operating system.

[0099] The present invention is applied to trim or decorative elements present inside a vehicle, such as door handle profiles, door panels, dashboard trim elements, rear parts of seats, etc.

[0100] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle and, more particularly, for the interior of a motor vehicle including a glass trim element and a plastic frame as described above. The advantages of such an assembly are the same as those listed above.

Claims

1. A method for dissipating kinetic energy inside a motor vehicle during an impact on a glass trim element, the method comprising the step of fixing the glass trim element to a support to provide an assembly incorporated into the interior body of the motor vehicle, wherein on the side of the support of the assembly there is no surface on which the glass trim element is exposed, the assembly being intended to be attached to the interior body of the motor vehicle on the side of the support, the assembly further comprising means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation being separate from the support, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation being provided on the surface of the support on the side where the glass trim element is not fixed, or the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation being provided between the glass trim element and the support, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation comprising at least 90% by weight of ethylene propylene diene monomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or polyurethane, the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation having a density of 10 g / l to 50 g / l, and the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation having a thickness greater than 20 mm.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation is manufactured from a material selected from among foam, plastic or rubber materials.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for dissipating said kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation is manufactured from a foam material.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support is a frame made of plastic.

5. The glass trim element is a trim element attached to the upper part of the center console body or for any other decorative area where glass can be used, such as the door inner trim, dashboard, etc., and a functional element is attached on the center console body, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plastic frame is characterized in that it conforms to the shape curvature of the glass trim element, the method according to claim 4.

7. The glass trim element is characterized in that it is pre-assembled to the plastic frame before being incorporated into the interior body of the vehicle, the method according to claim 4.

8. The plastic frame is manufactured from a material selected from polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide PA6, polyamide copolymer PA66, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, or a thermosetting material such as polyurethane, epoxy, etc., with or without using a filler, the method according to claim 4.

9. The glass trim element is made of glass such as soda lime silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate type, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The glass constituting the glass trim element, in terms of content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass, SiO ２ 55 - 85% Al ２ O ３ 0 - 30% B ２ O ３ 0 - 20% Na ２ O 0 - 25% CaO 0 - 20% MgO 0 - 15% K ２ O 0 - 20% BaO 0 to 20% having a basic composition containing the same, and being a soda-lime-silica glass, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The glass constituting the glass trim element, in terms of content expressed as a percentage by the total weight of the glass, 65 ≦ SiO ２ ≦ 78% 5 ≦ Na ２ O ≦ 20% 0 ≦ K ２ O < 5% 1 ≦ Al ２ O ３ < 6% 0 ≦ CaO < 4.5% 4 ≦ MgO ≦ 12% having a basic composition containing the same, and having a (MgO / (MgO + CaO)) ratio ≧ 0.5, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a glass trim element obtained by the method according to claim 4 and means for dissipating kinetic energy during impact without permanent deformation with a plastic frame.

13. The glass trim element includes touch functionality, the assembly according to claim 12.

14. The shape of the plastic frame can be adapted to fit any geometric shape of the glass, the assembly according to claim 12 or 13.