Trim element comprising a deformable outer surface and associated vehicle

A dashboard of a vehicle has a structure that includes at least one first element and at least one second element, and a skin covering at least part of the first element and the second element. The structure and the skin together define an outer surface of the dashboard. The first element and the second element are able to be moved relative to one another, with the movement causing a deformation of the outer surface of the dashboard.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a trim element, and more particularly, to a dashboard of a vehicle having a deformable outer surface.

BACKGROUND

Trim elements with a deformable outer surface are known. Such trim elements for example make it possible to modify the position of a support surface, such as an armrest, protruding from the outer surface, or to modify the appearance of the outer surface based on specific uses of the vehicle.

Such a modification of the shape of the outer surface may be obtained by arranging inflatable elements below the outer surface and commanding the inflation of these elements to create a raised zone across from an inflated element.

Such a pneumatic system is, however, not satisfactory for several reasons.

It is, in fact, difficult to obtain the desired rigidity of the outer surface across from an inflated element, which makes the system relatively unsuitable for forming a support surface. Furthermore, the feel of the outer surface is not satisfactory, since it is not uniform over the entire outer surface, the latter being rigid in the non-inflated zones and less rigid across from an inflated element.

SUMMARY

One of the aims of the invention is to offset these drawbacks by proposing a trim element whereof the outer surface can be modified based on the desired shape and without modifying its rigidity.

To that end, the invention relates to a dashboard of the aforementioned type, comprising:

a structure comprising at least one first element and at least one second element, and

a skin covering at least part of the first element and of the second element,

the structure and the skin together defining an outer surface of the dashboard,

the first element and the second element being able to be moved relative to one another, said movement causing a deformation of the outer surface of the dashboard.

The use of elements that are movable relative to one another to modify an outer surface of the trim element makes it possible to have a rigidity that is identical or at least similar for the entire outer surface.

Various embodiments of the trim element according to the invention may have any one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically possible combination:the dashboard comprises a control system suitable for driving the movement of the first element and the second element relative to one another.the first element and the second element are able to be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration, the shape of the outer surface of the dashboard being deformed from a first shape in the first configuration to a second shape in the second configuration,the dashboard comprises two second elements, the two second elements being adjacent to one another in the first configuration and being separated from one another in the second configuration,the dashboard comprises a single first element forming the body of the dashboard and extending over the entire dashboard and at least one second element moving in contact with the body,the body comprises a series of strips adjacent to one another in the first direction, each strip being deformable relative to the rest of the body in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the second element being suitable for deforming said strips,the first element and the second element are able to be moved relative to one another in the first direction.

The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a dashboard of the aforementioned type.

According to another embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle comprises a second trim element, the second trim element having a deformable outer surface, such that the outer surface of the second trim element deforms in a manner coordinated with the deformation of the outer surface of the dashboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A trim element1of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The trim element1is for example a dashboard, a door panel, seat trim or the like.

The trim element1comprises a structure and a skin.

An elevation direction Z is defined, for example, in the usual direction in a vehicle, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the rolling plane of the vehicle in which the trim element is intended to be installed. The terms “top” and “bottom” are defined in the elevation direction in the usual way.

The longitudinal L and transverse T directions are also defined perpendicular to the elevation direction Z in the usual way in a vehicle. The expressions “front” and “rear”, “left” and “right” will be used hereinafter relative to the normal movement direction of the vehicle.

The structure and the skin together define the form of an outer surface6of the trim element1, i.e., the visible surface of the trim element1, for example from the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which the trim element1is installed.

The outer surface6is for example able to be deformed in a deformable zone8. The deformation is for example resilient, i.e., the outer surface regains its initial shape when it is not deformed.

The structure comprises at least one first element2and at least one second element4.

The skin covers at least part of the first element2and of the second element4. In one preferred embodiment, the skin completely covers the first element2and the second element4.

The skin is, for example, made from plastic, leather, faux leather, ligneous material or the like. The skin14here has a constant thickness. It is, however, understood that the skin may have a variable thickness.

The skin14has a visible face forming the outer surface of the trim element and arranged to impart its appearance and feel to the trim element1and an opposite face. The opposite face faces the structure.

The skin14is for example flexible.

The trim element1here comprises a single first element2forming the body of the trim element1and extending over the entire trim element1and at least one second element4moving in contact with the first element2.

According to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the first element2comprises a series of strips10each extending in a third direction, here corresponding to the longitudinal direction L. The strips10are adjacent to one another in a first direction, here corresponding to the transverse direction T, substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction L, and form a part of the surface of the first element2defining the outer surface6of the trim element1with the skin.

Each strip10is, for example, cut in the first element2and comprises a first end12secured to the rest of the first element2and a second end14that is free, forming part of a transverse edge of the first element2.

Each strip10is deformable relative to the rest of the first element2in a second direction, here corresponding to the elevation direction Z, substantially perpendicular to the transverse T and longitudinal L directions, for example by rotation around a transverse axis passing near the first end12. Thus, by exerting pressure on the second free end14, it is possible to move the strip10relative to the rest of the first element2, such that it extends in a different plane from the rest of the surface of the first element2when it is deformed. The shape and material of the strips10are such that the deformation of the strips10is resilient. The strips10are for example obtained by cutting of the first element2or by molding them in a single piece with the first element2, which is for example made by injecting a plastic material.

Each strip10comprises, near its second free end14, a protrusion18protruding from the face of the strip10opposite the face turned toward the outer surface6of the trim element1. The protrusion18comprises a tongue20extending substantially parallel to the strip10. The series of tongues20in the transverse direction T forms a guide surface22, the function of which will be described later. According to one embodiment, shown inFIG. 5, the tongues20are intended to cooperate with a rail24, which will be described later. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the tongues20form, with the part of the strip10opposite them, a rail24, as will be described later.

It should be noted that the guide surface22could be formed directly by the second free end14of the strips10. However, providing the guide surface22at the end of a tongue20, as described above, makes it possible to improve the appearance of the trim element by facilitating the concealing of the actuating element4, as will be described later.

The guide surface22extending in the transverse direction T is deformable, since each strip10is deformable relative to the rest of the first element2, as previously described. Such an embodiment makes it possible to make a first element2from a substantially rigid material while comprising a resiliently deformable zone.

In all cases, the guide surface22is deformable in the elevation direction Z, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, as previously described. Thus, by deforming the guide surface22, it is possible to form hollows and reliefs in the deformable zone8on the outer surface6of the trim element1, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The trim element1here comprises two second elements4.

Each second element4is able to deform said strips10, more particularly by cooperating with the guide surface22, so as to create the desired shapes in the outer surface6of the trim element1.

Each second actuating element4is a substantially rigid part extending across from a portion of the deformable zone8of the first element2.

Each second element4comprises an actuating segment26arranged to cooperate with the guide surface22. To that end, according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the actuating segment26forms the rail24, in which the tongues20can be inserted and guided. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the actuating segment26is inserted into the rail24formed by the tongues20and the strips10. When the guide surface22is formed directly by the second free end14of the strips10, the actuating segment26forms a rail in which the second free ends14of the strips10can be inserted and guided.

The actuating segment26extends non-rectilinearly in the transverse direction T, i.e., the actuating segment26undergoes at least one change of plane in the transverse direction T. This change of plane is done in the deformation direction of the guide surface20, i.e., in the elevation direction Z in the embodiments described above. Thus, the actuating segment26comprises at least a first part28extending rectilinearly in the transverse direction T and at least a second part30extending rectilinearly in the transverse direction T and offset in the elevation direction Z relative to the first part28, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Between the first28and second30parts, the actuating segment26for example comprises a third part32that is inclined in the transverse direction T and joining the first part28to the second part32.

Each part28,30,32of the actuating segment26is arranged to cooperate with at least one strip10forming the guide surface22. In other words, each part28,30,32receives at least one tongue20or is received in the rail24defined by at least one tongue20. The part of the guide surface22thus cooperating with the actuating segment26is called actuating zone34. The actuating zone34therefore extends over at least two successive strips10in the transverse direction T.

Since the parts of the actuating segment26extend in different planes, it is understood that the tongues20of the strips10cooperating with these parts of the actuating segment are deformed to extend in the same plane as the part with which they cooperate and that the actuating zone34is deformed such that it adopts the shape of the actuating segment26. This causes a deformation of the outer surface6of the trim element1, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

As an example, the first part28of the actuating segment extends substantially in the same plane as the tongues20when they are not deformed and the second part30of the actuating segment is offset relative to the first part so as to create a distance between the plane of the non-deformed tongues20and the second part30. Thus, the actuating zone34is deformed such that the outer surface6follows the transition between the first and second parts28,30and comprises a nondeformed zone across from the first part28, a zone inclined along the third part32and a rectilinear zone along the transverse direction following the second part30, which creates a hollow zone in the outer surface6of the trim element1when the second part30extends at a height, measured in the elevation direction Z, below the height of the first part28, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. By providing a second part30extending at a height greater than the height of the first part28, it is understood that the actuating zone34creates a protruding zone in the outer surface6. Due to the deformation of the actuating zone34, strips10adjacent to the strips10of the actuating zone34are also deformed due to the constraint applied by the actuating segment26on the guide surface22, as more particularly shown inFIG. 2.

In order for the deformation of the actuating zone34to be gradual, it is advantageous for several adjacent strips to cooperate with each of the parts28,30,32of the actuating segment26.

It is understood that by providing more parts in the actuating segment and by modifying the shape of the segment, it is possible to choose the shape of the desired deformation in the outer surface6. Thus, it is possible to create deformations such that the outer surface6comprises one or several hollow zones and one or several protruding zones.

It will be noted that the deformed zone retains a certain rigidity, since it is bearing on the second elements4, which are rigid. Thus, the feel and the mechanical strength of the outer surface6are substantially the same over the entire surface, including in the deformed zone.

The first element2and each second element4are able to be moved relative to one another, said movement causing a deformation of the outer surface6of the trim element1.

More particularly, the first element2and the second element4are able to be moved between a first configuration, visible inFIG. 1, and a second configuration, visible inFIG. 2. The outer surface6of the trim element1is deformed from a first shape in the first configuration to a second shape in the second configuration.

The first element2and at least one, more particularly each, second element4are able to be moved relative to one another in the transverse direction T, more particularly such that the actuating segment26can move along the guide surface22in the transverse direction T. This movement causes a movement of the actuating zone34and therefore a gradual change of the strips10, which cooperate with the parts28,30,32of the actuating segment26. It will thus be understood that the deformed zone moves with the movement of the actuating segment26, as can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, between which the second element4has been placed. During the movement, some strips10stop cooperating with the actuating segment26and can return to their initial position if the stresses applied by the actuating segment allow it, while others begin to cooperate with the actuating segment and deform based on the part of the actuating segment26with which they cooperate. Thus, the movement of the deformation is done continuously and aesthetically, while giving an impression of a wave that moves over the outer surface6of the trim element.

Between the actuating zones34, the deformed zone of the outer surface6has a basin shape whereof the bottom extends in the actuating zones34and having inclined walls opposite the third parts32of the actuating segments and an inclined wall along the longitudinal direction L toward the actuating zones34.

In the first configuration, the two second elements4are adjacent to one another.

In the second configuration, the two second elements4are separated from one another.

Alternatively or additionally, by moving one or both second elements4, it is possible to move the basin in the transverse direction T between the first position and the second position.

In the first configuration, the two second elements4are for example such that the basin is across from a driver in the longitudinal direction L.

In the second configuration, the two second elements4are for example such that the basin is substantially at the center of the trim element1in the transverse direction T.

The trim element1further comprises a control system100suitable for driving the movement of the second element4relative to the first element2. The movement is for example controlled by the control electronics of the vehicle.

Thus, the trim element1offers great configurability in the appearance that can be imparted to the outer surface, while retaining uniform rigidity and feel properties over the entire outer surface.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is particularly advantageously when it is used with a trim element forming a vehicle dashboard. The hollow deformation can indeed be placed across from a display device of the vehicle, such as a screen. In a position where the basin has a reduced size, in the first configuration, the latter can be placed across from the conductor in order to create a limited visibility zone on the screen, such that the driver focuses on information relative to driving the vehicle displayed on a zone of the screen across from the basin. By enlarging the basin and moving it substantially to the center of the trim element in the transverse direction, in the second position, it is possible to enlarge the visibility zone in order to allow the passengers to see a larger part of the screen, for example when the vehicle is in an autonomous driving configuration, in which the driver does not participate in the driving of the vehicle.

It is, however, understood that the invention can be used in other contexts, for example to move a zone protruding from the outer surface in order to form a support surface for a limb of a passenger of the motor vehicle to the desired location based on the position of the passenger's seat and/or the morphology of the passenger. Such a support surface is for example an armrest or a footrest or the like.

In another embodiment that is not shown, the second element is formed by a rigid element arranged between the first element and the skin.

The second element is movable between the first element and the skin and deforms the skin in the location where it is arranged. More particularly, the skin conforms to the shape of the second element where the second element extends and conforms to the shape of the first element elsewhere. Thus, the movement of the second element causes a deformation of the outer surface of the trim element.

In another embodiment that is not shown, each strip is actuated by an actuator able to move each strip along the second direction.

The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a first trim element according to one embodiment of the invention.

The vehicle further comprises a second trim element102.

The second trim element is for example an armrest, an element of the floor of the vehicle and/or a seat.

The second trim element has a deformable outer surface, such that the outer surface of the second trim element deforms in a manner coordinated with the deformation of the outer surface of the first trim element.

The second trim element is for example at least one front seat. According to one example, when the first element and the second element are in the first configuration, the front seat is such that a person seated thereupon faces the road. When the first element and the second element are in the second configuration, the front seat is such that a person seated thereupon faces the basin, more particularly oriented toward the center of the trim element in the transverse direction T. This for example makes it possible to orient the field of view of the occupant of the seat toward a particular point of interest of the passenger compartment, such as the road when the occupant of the seat is driving and the center of the trim element where a display system may be provided, when the occupant is not driving.

Additionally or alternatively, the second trim element is a central armrest located between a right front seat and a left front seat. When the first element and the second element are in the first configuration, the armrest is in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the armrest for example assumes the form of a slab elongated in the longitudinal direction L. When the first element and the second element are in the second configuration, the armrest is in an extended position. In the extended position, lateral parts of the armrest deploy in order to increase the upper bearing surface relative to this surface in the retracted position. The lateral parts are for example arranged on either side of the slab form in the transverse direction T.

The vehicle is thus able to adapt its arrangement generally to different configurations.