FR3091505A1 - Upholstery element comprising a backlit touch control device - Google Patents

Abstract

Trim element comprising a backlit tactile control device Trim element comprising a decorative layer comprising at least one translucent area, at least one translucent tactile control device, at least one light source and at least one first mask between the source of light and the translucent area, said mask comprising a first opening through which light from the light source can pass to the decor layer and at least a first opaque area preventing said light from passing. The packing element further comprises a second mask between the first mask and the translucent area of the decorative layer, said mask comprising a second opening facing the first opening and a second opaque area facing the first opaque area, said second opening defining the shape of at least one image displayed on the outer surface of the decorative layer when the light source is turned on. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Upholstery element comprising a backlit tactile control device

The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element of the type comprising a decor layer comprising an inner face and an outer face forming the outer surface of the trim element, said decor layer comprising at least one translucent zone, in which the decor layer is translucent, at least one translucent touch control device, extending on the side of the internal face of the decor layer, and at least one light source extending on the side of the touch control device opposite the internal face of the decoration layer, the filling element further comprising at least a first mask extending between the light source and the translucent zone of the decoration layer, said first mask comprising at least at least a first opening through which the light from the light source can pass towards the decoration layer and at least a first opaque zone preventing said light from passing.

It is known to integrate into the trim elements of the passenger compartment of a vehicle a control device for controlling certain functions of the vehicle, such as actuating the windows, driving a sound system of the passenger compartment, a ventilation system or other. Such a trim element is for example an armrest, a door panel, a dashboard cover or the like.

The control device is for example touch actuated, that is to say it is actuated by contact of the fingers of a user on an actuating surface of the control device, the actuating surface being for example coated with a capacitive film electronically connected to a vehicle control system.

The actuating surface, known by the term "touchpad" or "trackpad" (touchpad), therefore forms part of the external surface of the trim element in order to be accessible to the passengers of the vehicle. In order to facilitate its use, it is known to backlight the actuating surface to make visible information on the possibilities of interaction of a passenger with the actuating surface, for example in the form of pictograms on which a passenger can press to control a particular function of the vehicle. Backlighting consists of placing a light source in the trim element in order to illuminate the actuating surface by passing the light through the actuating surface.

In order to improve the appearance of the lining element when the actuation surface is not used and is therefore not illuminated, it would be desirable to cover the actuation surface with the decor layer forming the external surface of the packing element and giving it its appearance.

However, in this case, the light must also pass through the decor layer so that the user can identify the area in which he can act to use the actuating surface. Light then tends to diffuse into the decor layer, which degrades the appearance of the images displayed on the external surface of the trim element, making them imprecise and blurry.

One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a trim element comprising a backlit control device whose display is of good quality while being hidden when it is not in use.

To this end, the invention relates to a packing element of the aforementioned type, which further comprises at least one second mask extending between the first mask and the translucent zone of the decor layer, said second mask comprising at at least one second opening extending opposite the first opening and at least one second opaque zone extending opposite the first opaque zone, said second opening defining the shape of at least one image displayed on the external surface of the decor layer when the light source is on.

By covering the touch control device with the decor layer, it is invisible when the light source is not on, which improves the appearance of the trim element when the control device is not used. In addition, by using a first mask to roughly define the shape of the image or images to be displayed on the external surface and a second more detailed mask, the scattering of light in the decoration layer is limited and the display of the image is improved, which also improves the appearance of the trim element when the controller is used.

According to other optional characteristics of the packing element according to the invention, taken in isolation or in any technically conceivable combination: - The second opening of the second mask has at least one dimension smaller than the corresponding dimension of the first opening of the first mask.

- The lining element further comprises a translucent backing layer applied to the internal face of the decor layer, the second mask extending between the first mask and the back layer.

- The decor layer is a layer of woody material and the reverse layer is a layer of textile material.

- The lining element further comprises a translucent reverse layer extending on the side of the internal face of the decor layer, said reverse layer extending between the first mask and the second mask, said second mask being applied against the internal face of the decor layer.

- The decor layer is a layer of textile material and the back layer is a layer of foam.

- The light source is removed from the touch control device by a predetermined distance.

- The touch control device is fixed to a translucent upper wall of a housing, the light source being fixed to a bottom wall of said housing, spaced from the upper wall, the upper wall and the bottom wall being connected one to the other by at least one opaque side wall, said side wall being reflective of the internal side of the housing.

- The lining element further comprises at least one actuator extending on the side of the internal face of the decor layer, said actuator being arranged to move the external surface of decor layer in response to a touch actuation of the device. touch control.

- The translucent area of the decor layer came in one piece with the rest of the decor layer.

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

[Fig.l]

The Lig. 1 is a schematic sectional representation of a packing element according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.2]

The Lig. 2 is a schematic sectional representation of a packing element according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.3]

The Lig. 3 is a schematic representation in exploded view of the inner part of the packing element according to the invention, [0015] [fig.4]

The Lig. 4 is a schematic representation seen from the outside of the lining element of the Lig. 1 when the light source is switched off, and [fig. 16]

The Lig. 5 is a schematic representation seen from the outside of the lining element of the Lig. 1 when the light source is on.

In the description, the term "interior" is defined by what is facing the body of a vehicle and the term "exterior" is defined by what is facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

With reference to the Eigs. 1 and 2, a trim element 1 is described, comprising a decor layer 2, a touch control device 4 and a light source 6.

The trim element 1 is intended to extend into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and forms, for example, a door panel, an armrest, a center console, a dashboard cover or the like. For this purpose, the packing element 1 must have a satisfactory appearance. In Ligs 1, 2, 4 and 5, the trim element 1 forms an armrest mounted on a door panel.

The appearance of the trim element 1 is given to it by the decor layer 2 which forms the external surface of the trim element 1, that is to say the visible and accessible surface for passengers of the passenger compartment. More particularly, the decorative layer 2 has an external face 8 which forms the external surface of the lining element 1 and an internal face 10 opposite the external face 8 and facing the interior of the lining element 1. The external surface and therefore the decor layer 2 can have any shape adapted to the function of the lining element. Thus, the decor layer 2 can have a planar or three-dimensional shape.

The decor layer 2 comprises at least one translucent zone, in which the decor layer 2 is translucent, that is to say that it lets light pass from its internal face 10 to its external face 8. By translucent is meant a material having a light transmission rate of between 5% and 100%. Light is considered in the visible range, that is to say composed of electromagnetic waves whose wavelength is generally between 380 nm and 780 nm. Advantageously, the material and the translucency of the translucent zone is such that light passes from the internal face 10 to the external face 8 when the light source 6 is switched on, as will be described later, but which a user does not see. through the decor layer 2 when the light source 6 is off. In other words, a user does not see the inner part of the lining element 1 when he looks at it, but only the outer face 8 of the decor layer 2, as shown in the Ligs. 4 and 5. According to one embodiment, the decor layer 2 comprises several translucent zones or the entire decor layer 2 is translucent. The translucent area (s) are, for example, integrally formed with the rest of the decor layer 2. In other words, the translucent area (s) are made of the same material as the rest of the decor layer 2.

The decor layer 2 can be made of any suitable material. According to one embodiment, shown in Eig. 1, the decor layer 2 is made of woody material, for example wood. In this case, the translucency of the decor layer 2 is for example obtained by the small thickness of the decor layer 2. According to another embodiment, shown in Eig. 2, the decor layer 2 is made of textile material. In this case, the translucency of the decor layer 2 is for example obtained by the spacing between the meshes of the fabric. It is understood that other materials can be envisaged, such as leather or imitation leather, plastic materials or the like as long as a translucency, at least in the translucent zone, can be obtained without piercing or opening the layer. decor 2.

According to the first and second embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2, the lining element 1 further comprises a backing layer 12 extending on the side of the internal face 10 of the decoration layer 2 and applied to it. The backing layer is arranged to give the external surface of the lining element 1 particular properties, such as its rigidity, its feel, etc. The reverse layer 12 is translucent, at least opposite the translucent zone of the decor layer 2. According to one embodiment, the reverse layer 12 is translucent opposite each translucent zone of the decor layer 2 or the entire backing layer 12 is translucent.

When the decor layer 2 is made of a woody material, the backing layer 12 is for example made of textile material, in particular white or light color. When the decor layer 2 is made of a textile material, the reverse layer 12 is for example a layer of foam.

The touch control device 4 makes it possible to control one or more functions of the vehicle or of an appliance connected to the vehicle by contact of one or more fingers of a user on the external surface of the lining element 1, that is to say on the external face 8 of the decor layer 2. To do this, the touch control device 4 is for example formed by a capacitive film or a capacitive plate whose operation is known to be electronically connected to the vehicle's electronic system. The touch control device 4 is translucent or transparent and is arranged facing the translucent zone of the decor layer 2, so that the light passing through the touch control device 4 can reach the external surface of the lining element 1 by passing through the backing layer 12, when it is present, and through the decor layer 2.

The control device 4 is for example applied to the upper wall 14 of a housing 16, allowing easy integration of the touch control device 4 and the light source 6, as will be described in more detail later. The upper wall 14 is translucent or transparent. The housing 16 extends from the interior side of the assembly formed by the backing layer 12 and the decor layer 2. The control device 4 then extends between the upper wall 14 and this assembly.

Between the light source 6 and the translucent zone of the decor layer 2, the lining element 1 comprises at least a first mask 18 and at least a second mask 20.

The first mask 18 is made of an opaque material, that is to say that does not allow light to pass through, such as an opaque plastic material. The first mask 18 is for example made of opaque vinyl. The first mask 18 has for example a thickness of about 50 μηι. This small thickness makes it possible not to disturb the performance of the control device 4 when the latter is formed by a capacitive film and that the first mask extends between the control device 4 and the translucent zone of the decor layer 2, as will be described later. The first mask 18 is, for example, self-adhesive on its internal face or on its external face, which facilitates its installation, in particular on or under complex surfaces, such as non-planar surfaces. The first mask 18 comprises at least a first opening 22 through which the light can pass, the rest of the first mask outside the first opening 22 forming a first opaque zone 24. Thus, the light directed towards the first mask 18 can go to the other side of the mask through the first opening 22 and is blocked by the first opaque zone 24 around the first opening 22. The shape of the first opening 22 thus makes it possible to define the shape of an image 23 which is displayed on the external surface of the decor layer 2, as shown in Fig. 5. The shape of the first opening 22 corresponds for example to the shape of a pictogram or the like. The dimension (s) of the first opening 22 are greater than the corresponding dimension (s) of the image 23 displayed on the external surface of the decor layer 2 by the light passing through the first opening 22. Thus, by way of example , if the image to be displayed has the shape of a bar of a certain length, the first opening 22 is a slit made in the first mask 18, the length of the slit being greater than the length of the bar. The difference between the dimension (s) of the first opening 22 and those of the image 23 to be displayed depends on the distance between the first mask 18 and the second mask 20, as will be described later. According to one embodiment, as a function of the diffusion properties of the translucent zone of the decoration layer 2 and or of the backing layer 12, the shape of the first opening 22 does not correspond exactly to that of the image to be display on the external surface of the decor layer 2. Thus, if the image to be displayed is a round, the first opening 22 may have an ovoid shape in the case of a decor layer made of woody material. Indeed, in this case, the decor layer 2 has a different light scattering in the direction of the venous line of the material and an oval shape for the first opening 22 makes it possible to display a shape of a circle on the surface outer layer 2.

The first mask 18 may include several first openings 22 separated from each other by the first opaque area 24, as shown in Lig. 3, in order to form several images 23 on the external surface of the decor layer 2. The first openings 22 can have various shapes depending on the images 23 to be displayed on the external surface of the decor layer 2. The different images correspond for example at the different possible interactions of the user with the touch control device 4. Thus, the images 23 designate for example the zones in which a user can touch the external surface of the decor layer 2 to interact with the control device touch 4 to control the various functions controlled by the touch control device 4.

The first mask 18 is for example applied directly to the touch control device 4, for example by gluing. Thus, according to the embodiment shown on the Ligs. 1 to 3, the first mask 18 is secured to the upper wall 14 of the housing 16 by means of the touch control device 4.

The second mask 20 is made of an opaque material, such as an opaque plastic material. The second mask 20 is for example made of the same material as the first mask 18. According to one embodiment, the second mask 20 also has a thickness close to 50 μm and can be self-adhesive on its internal face or on its external face. The second mask 20 comprises at least a second opening 26 through which the light can pass, the rest of the second mask outside the second opening 26 forming a second opaque zone 28. Thus, the light directed towards the second mask 20 can go to the other side of the mask through the second opening 26 and is blocked by the second opaque zone 28 around the second opening 26.

As shown in Lig. 3, the second opening 26 is a refined version of the first opening 22. By refined version, it is meant that the second opening 26 has the same general shape as the first opening 22 and that at least one dimension of the second opening 26 is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the first opening 22. Thus, in the case of a first opening 22 having the form of a slot of a certain length mentioned above, the second opening 26 also has a form of slot, the length is less than the length of the first opening 22. According to one embodiment, all the dimensions of the second opening 26 are less than the corresponding dimensions of the first opening 22. Thus, in the case of a rectangular slot, the length and the width of the second opening 26 are less than the length and the width of the first opening 22. As for the first opening 22, the second opening 26 can not presenting the exact shape of the image to be displayed on the external surface of the decor layer, as a function of the diffusion properties of the decor layer 2 and / or of the reverse layer 12. The difference between the dimensions of the second opening 26 and the corresponding dimension (s) of the first opening 22 depends on the distance between the first mask 18 and the second mask 20. This difference is for example between 20% and 30%, for example 25%, when the second mask 20 is applied directly to the first mask 18. This difference is for example between 10% and 20%, for example 15%, when a space separates the first mask 18 and the second mask 20. The dimensions of the second opening 26 are for example equal to the corresponding dimensions of the image 23 to be displayed on the external surface of the decor layer 2. As a variant, in particular when the shape of the second opening 26 is different from the image to be displayed on the surfa this external of the decorative layer 2, at least one dimension of the second opening 26 is greater than the corresponding dimension of the image to be displayed on the external surface. The difference in dimension between the second opening 26 and the image to be displayed is for example between 10% and 30% depending on the light scattering properties of the decor layer 2 and / or the back layer 12 .

The second mask 20 comprises as many second openings 26 as the first mask 18 comprises first openings 22, these second openings 26 being refined versions of the corresponding first openings 22. Thus, the second mask 20 can be superimposed on the first mask 18 so that the second openings 26 coincide with the first openings 22. In other words, the second opening (s) 26 of the second mask 20 are aligned with the one or more first corresponding openings 22 of the first mask 18.

The second mask 20 is placed between the first mask 18 and the decor layer 2, so that the light passing through the first mask 18 passes through the second mask 20 before reaching the external surface of the decor layer 2. The positioning of the second mask 20 is such that the second opening (s) 26 extend opposite the corresponding first opening (s) 22 and opposite the translucent zone of the decor layer 2. The second opaque zone 28 s 'therefore extends opposite the first opaque zone 24. It will be noted that the positioning of the second mask 20 is facilitated by the first mask 18 which is integral with the housing 16. In fact, when the housing 16 is installed in the lining element 1, it then suffices to place the second mask 20 facing the first mask 18 so that the first and second corresponding openings 22, 26 extend opposite each other.

According to a first embodiment shown in Eig. 1, the second mask 20 is applied to the first mask and thus extends between the first mask 18 and the backing layer 12. Such an embodiment is advantageous when the assembly formed by the decor layer 2 and the backing layer 12 has a small thickness, for example less than or equal to 1 mm. This is for example the case when the decor layer 2 is made of a woody material and the back layer 12 is formed by a textile. In this case, the second mask 20 is for example glued to the first mask 18 and extends against the internal face of the backing layer 12.

According to a second embodiment shown in Eig. 2, the second mask extends between the backing layer 12 and the decor layer 2. In this case, the backing layer 12 extends between the first mask 18 and the second mask 20 and the second mask 20 extends against the internal face 10 of the decoration layer 2. Such an embodiment is advantageous when the assembly formed by the decoration layer 2 and the backing layer 12 has a greater thickness, for example greater than 1 mm. This is for example the case when the decor layer 2 is made of a textile material and the back layer 12 is formed by a foam.

The light source 6 is for example a light emitting diode arranged to emit light towards the touch control device 4 so that it passes successively through the touch control device 4, the first mask 18, the second mask 20 , the backing layer 12 and the decor layer 2. As a variant, as indicated above, the light first passes through the backing layer 12 before passing through the second mask 20. According to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 3, several light sources 6 are provided. These light sources 6 extend for example on and are electrically connected to a printed circuit board 30, making it possible to drive and power the light-emitting diodes. As a variant, the light source 6 can be formed by a woven optical sheet, for example formed from optical fibers woven together. Such a light source 6 is less bulky in thickness.

Or the light sources 6 extend at a predetermined distance from the touch control device 4, for example a minimum distance of 16 mm. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 30 forms a bottom wall of the housing 16 so that the light source or sources 6 extend in the housing 16 opposite the upper wall 14. The printed circuit board 30 is then connected to the upper wall 14 by one or more side walls 32. The side walls 32 are opaque and their face extending inside the housing 16 is reflective. For example, the side walls are black on the outside and white towards the inside of the housing 16. Thus, all the light emitted by the light source or sources 6 is directed towards the translucent upper wall 14 and passes through the device. touch control 4.

According to one embodiment, the packing element 1 further comprises at least one actuator 34 extending from the side of the internal face 10 of the decor layer 2. The actuator 34 is for example mounted on the upper wall 14 of the housing 16 inside the housing 16. The actuator 34 is arranged to move the external surface of the decor layer 2 in response to a touch actuation of the touch control device 4. In other words, the actuator 34 is arranged to provide haptic feedback to a user using the touch control device 4 so that the user has information when he interacts with the touch control device 4. The actuator 34 is for example formed by a magnet which moves, its movement being controlled by a sound card (not shown). Thus, in addition to a displacement, for example a vibration, of the external surface of the decor layer 2, obtained by the displacement of the actuator 34, the sound card can emit a sound to give information to the user on its use of the touch control device 4. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the packing element 1 comprises two actuators 34.

The assembly formed by the housing 16, the touch actuating device 4, the first mask 18, the light source or sources 6 and the actuators 34 can be assembled beforehand in order to form an assembly which can be mounted a single piece in the trim element 1 before connecting the touch actuating device 4, the printed circuit board 30 and the actuators 34 to the electronic system of the vehicle. As indicated previously, the second mask 20 can be positioned in the lining element 1 in a simple manner thanks to the position of the first mask 18. According to one embodiment, when the second mask 20 is applied directly to the first mask 18, the second mask 20 is also previously assembled with the assembly formed by the housing 16, the touch actuating device 4, the first mask 18, the light source or sources 6 and the actuators 34.

The packing element 1 described above has a satisfactory appearance both when the light source or sources 6 are off and when they are on. When the light sources 6 are off, the user sees only the external surface of the decor layer 2 and the presence of a touch control device is masked, as shown in FIG. 4. When the light sources are on, the images 23 defined by the first and second masks 18, 20 appear on the external surface of the decor layer 2 and the user is informed about the zones with which he can interact, as shown in Fig. 5. Thanks to the coarser first mask 18 and refined second mask 20, too great a diffusion of light is avoided in the reverse layers 12 and of the decoration 2 and the images 23 displayed on the external surface of the decoration layer 2 are sharp. According to a particular operation, the lining element is arranged so that the light source or sources 6 light up with a predetermined light intensity when a user approaches the hand of the external surface of the decor layer 2 facing the device 4. The light intensity increases when the user touches the external surface of the decor layer 2 and interacts with the touch control device 4.

The packing element 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to provide a touch control device 4 which is invisible when it is not in use, as shown in FIG. 4, and which lets appear on the external surface of the decor layer 2 only the information useful for its use when it is used, as shown in FIG. 5, which gives a particularly satisfactory appearance to the lining element 1 whatever the state of the light source or sources 6.

In the packing element 1 described above, the first mask 18 and the second mask 20 extend between the touch control device 4 and the decor layer 2. It is however understood that the first mask 18 and optionally the second mask 20 can be arranged under the touch control device 4. In other words, in a first alternative, the touch control device 4 extends between the first mask 18 and the decor layer 2, the second mask extending between the touch control device 4 and the decor layer 2. In a second alternative, the touch control device 4 extends between the second mask 20 and the decor layer 2. The first mask 18 or the second mask 20 is then for example applied directly to the internal face of the touch device 4, for example on the upper wall 14 of the housing 16.

It is understood that the lining element 1 may comprise several assemblies comprising a touch control device 4 and as many second masks 20 in order to form several display and interaction zones on the external surface of the layer of decor 2.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Vehicle trim element (1) comprising a decor layer (2) comprising an internal face (10) and an external face (8) forming the external surface of the trim element, said decor layer (2) comprising at least at least one translucent zone, in which the decor layer (2) is translucent, at least one translucent tactile control device (4), extending on the side of the internal face (10) of the decor layer (2), and at least one light source (6) extending from the side of the tactile control device (4) opposite the internal face (10) of the decor layer (2), the covering element comprising in in addition to at least a first mask (18) extending between the light source (6) and the translucent zone of the decor layer (2), said first mask (18) comprising at least a first opening (22) through which light from the light source (6) can pass towards the decoration layer (2) and at least one first opaque zone (24) preventing said light e to pass, the lining element being characterized in that it further comprises at least one second mask (20) extending between the first mask (18) and the translucent zone of the decor layer (2), said second mask (20) comprising at least one second opening (26) extending opposite the first opening (22) and at least one second opaque zone (28) extending opposite the first opaque zone (24) , said second opening (26) defining the shape of at least one image displayed on the external surface of the decor layer (2) when the light source (6) is switched on. [Claim 2] A packing element according to claim 1, in which the second opening (26) of the second mask (20) has at least one dimension smaller than the corresponding dimension of the first opening (22) of the first mask (18). [Claim 3] Lining element according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a translucent backing layer (12) applied to the internal face (10) of the decor layer (2), the second mask (20) extending between the first mask (18) and the backing layer (12). [Claim 4] A packing element according to claim 3, wherein the decor layer (2) is a layer of woody material and the backing layer (12) is a layer of textile material. [Claim 5] A packing element according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a translucent backing layer (12) extending from the side of the face internal (10) of the decor layer (2), said backing layer (12) extending between the first mask (18) and the second mask (20), said second mask (20) being applied against the face internal (10) of the decor layer (2). [Claim 6] A packing element according to claim 5, wherein the decor layer (2) is a layer of textile material and the backing layer (12) is a layer of foam. [Claim 7] A trim element according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light source (6) is spaced from the touch control device (4) by a predetermined distance. [Claim 8] Lining element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the touch control device (4) is fixed to a translucent upper wall (14) of a housing (16), the light source (6) being fixed to a bottom wall of said housing (16), spaced from the top wall (14), the top wall (14) and the bottom wall being connected to each other by at least one side wall (32) opaque, said side wall (32) being reflective of the internal side of the housing (16). [Claim 9] Packing element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one actuator (34) extending on the side of the internal face (10) of the decor layer (2), said actuator (34) being arranged to move the outer surface of the decor layer (2) in response to a touch actuation of the touch control device (4). [Claim 10] Lining element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the translucent zone of the decor layer (2) has come integrally with the rest of the decor layer (2) 1/5