Patent Application
20140021733
The invention relates generally to a flexible interior trim component for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a flexible interior trim component having a cover layer.
Vehicle storage compartments may be positioned throughout an interior of a vehicle to store cargo and other small items. For example, an overhead console may include a storage compartment suitable for storing sunglasses, driving glasses, or other items. Other storage compartments may be located within a center console, an armrest, seats, door panels, or other areas of the vehicle interior. Certain storage compartments include a door configured to secure the contents of the compartment and/or hide the contents from view.
While a variety of door configurations may be employed, tambour doors are generally well-suited for storage compartments having curved openings. Typical tambour doors include a series of interlocked parallel ribs or segments that may rotate with respect to one another. In this manner, the tambour door may flex in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the parallel segments. Such a configuration may enable the tambour door to match the contours of the curved storage compartment opening, thereby facilitating movement of the tambour door with respect to the storage compartment opening. Unfortunately, because the ribs are generally constructed from substantially rigid material, the show surface of the tambour door may be hard and/or stiff. In addition, recesses between the ribs may collect dirt and/or other contaminants, thereby degrading the appearance of the door.
The present invention relates to an interior trim component including multiple substantially parallel ribs each configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component also includes a cushion having an inner surface and an integral outer skin such that the inner surface is coupled to the substantially parallel ribs. The interior trim component further includes a cover layer having a show surface and a rear surface, where the rear surface is secured to the integral outer skin of the cushion.
The present invention also relates to an interior trim component including substantially parallel ribs, and a cushion coupled to the substantially parallel ribs such that the interior trim component is capable of bending in a direction substantially perpendicular to an orientation of the substantially parallel ribs. The cushion also includes a cover layer at least partially disposed about the cushion. The cover layer includes a show surface and a rear surface, and the cushion is molded to the rear surface to secure the cover layer to the cushion.
The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an interior trim component including injecting resin into a first mold having multiple substantially parallel grooves to form corresponding substantially parallel ribs. The method also includes lining a cavity of a second mold with a cover layer such that a show surface of the cover layer is disposed adjacent to the cavity. The method further includes transferring the substantially parallel ribs to the second mold, and pouring foam into the second mold such that the foam forms a cushion bonded to the substantially parallel ribs and to a rear surface of the cover layer.
As will be appreciated, typical tambour doors include a series of interlocked or otherwise joined parallel ribs or segments that may rotate with respect to one another. To facilitate tambour door segment rotation, a recess may be positioned adjacent to each segment. These recesses may collect dirt and/or other contaminants, thereby degrading the appearance of the door. In addition, as the tambour door flexes, adjacent segments may rotate toward one another, thereby reducing the width of the intervening recesses. The decreasing width of the recesses may establish undesirable pinch points between adjacent segments. Furthermore, because the segments are generally constructed from substantially rigid material, the show surface of the tambour door may be hard and/or stiff. By providing a cushion having a cover layer, the present embodiments may eliminate these recesses and establish a soft show surface. As a result, any dirt or other contaminants which collect on the cover layer of the tambour door may be easily removed. In addition, the possibility of pinching between segments may be substantially reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, the show surface of the cover layer may enable the tambour door to serve as an armrest for vehicle occupants, thereby reducing the space utilized by a separate armrest and storage compartment door.
The console 16 also includes two side panels 26 which form the main body of the console 16. In the present configuration, each side panel 26 provides one of the side walls 22 of the console 16 and portions of the rear wall 20, the front wall 18 and the top surface 24. As illustrated, the side walls 22 include a compound-curved upper contour having both convex and concave portions, thereby transitioning between the raised rear wall 20 and the lower front wall 18. The top edges 28 of the side panels 26 form the curved top surface 24. The top surface 24 includes an opening 30 that enables an occupant to access an interior of the console 16. In certain configurations, the console 16 includes a rear panel 32 forming a portion of the rear wall 20 and/or the top surface 24.
In the present configuration, the console 16 includes a door 34 configured to transition between an open position and the illustrated closed position. The door 34 includes a handle 38 that enables an occupant to slide the door 34 between the two positions. As discussed in detail below, sliding the door 34 toward the open position in the direction 40 will expose an interior of a storage compartment located within the console 16. In certain configurations, the door 34 is a tambour door having a series of substantially parallel ribs coupled to a cushion. The ribs are configured to engage a track within the side walls 22, while the cushion enables the door 34 to flex and accommodate the contours of the opening 30. The door 34 also includes a cover layer secured to an outer surface of the cushion to provide a desired appearance and to protect the cushion. The cover layer is a flexible material that may flex consistently with the cushion to accommodate the contours of the opening 30. The cushion and the cover layer also enable the door 34 to serve as an armrest for the vehicle occupants, thereby reducing the space associated with providing a separate door 34 and armrest.
While the present tambour door is described with reference to the center console 16, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ similar tambour doors positioned throughout the interior 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, a storage compartment located within an overhead console, door panel, instrument panel, or other region of the interior 12 may include a flexible door having a cover layer. Furthermore, other flexible interior trim components, in addition to the doors described above, may include similar parallel ribs, a cushion, and a cover layer. As discussed in detail below, the cover layer may include various materials and have various configurations to enhance the appearance of the component.
As will be appreciated, a vehicle occupant may close the door 34 by grasping the handle 38 and moving the door 34 toward the front wall 18 of the center console 16. Because a cover layer is secured to the outer surface of the cushion, a show surface of the cover layer faces the interior 12 of the vehicle 10. As a result, the possibility of being pinched by segments of the door 34 may be substantially reduced or eliminated. Once in the closed position, the cover layer of the door 34 may provide a suitable surface for an armrest and/or enhance the appearance of the vehicle interior 12.
As discussed in detail below, the ribs 44 may be formed by an injection molding process, and may therefore be composed of any suitable material for injection molding. For example, the ribs 44 may be composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It should be appreciated that the ribs 44 may be composed of other materials suitable for injection molding in alterative embodiments. In addition, the ribs 44 may include a chemical blowing agent and/or any other suitable additives.
In certain embodiments, the cushion 46 is formed by a molding process in which two reactive foam compounds are mixed and poured into an open mold having the desired shape of the cushion 46. The mold is then closed and the mixture is allowed to expand and cure. By placing the ribs 44 into the mold prior to pouring the foam, the foam will bond to the ribs 44 during the curing process. As a result, a unitary flexible component will be formed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, material chemistry as well as temperature variations within the mold may induce a high density flexible outer skin to form on the outer surface of the low density foam cushion. The resulting cushion 46 may have a substantially smooth or textured integral outer skin, while providing sufficient flexibility to enable the tambour door 34 to accommodate the contours of the curved storage compartment opening 30. In other embodiments, various foam compounds and/or temperatures may be used that substantially reduce or eliminate the possibility of forming the high density flexible outer skin on the outer surface of the low density foam cushion. In such embodiments, the entire cushion 46 may have a substantially uniform low density.
As previously discussed, the flexible door 34 may include a handle configured to facilitate movement of the door 34 between the open and closed positions. The handle may be attached to the door 34 by fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) or injection molded along with the ribs 44. In configurations in which the handle is formed by injection molding, the foam may be poured over the plastic handle, or poured around the handle to provide a firm gasping surface. Similarly, in configurations in which the handle is formed by injection molding, the cover layer 50 may be secured over the plastic handle to establish a consistent appearance, or secured around the handle to provide a firm grasping surface. As will be appreciated, alternative embodiments may employ other components (e.g., knobs, recesses, etc.) in place of the handle to control movement of the door 34. For example, certain embodiments may include a handle formed by establishing a depression or recess into the cushion 46 and the cover layer 50.
In contrast to tambour door configurations having segmented show surfaces, the flexible door 34 of the present embodiments does not include separate segments that rotate relative to one another. Instead, the cushion 46 is flexible, allowing the ribs 44 to move relative to one another while maintaining a unitary visual appearance of the flexible door 34. In addition, the flexible door 34 includes a cover layer 50 secured to the outer surface of the cushion, thereby enabling the tambour door 34 to serve as an armrest for vehicle occupants. The cover layer 50 also substantially reduces or eliminates the recesses between segments that may cause pinching and collection of dirt and/or other debris. Furthermore, the cover layer 50 may include materials and/or configurations that enhance the visual appearance of the tambour door 34. For example, in certain embodiments, the cover layer 50 may be manufactured from leather, vinyl, fabric (either woven or non-woven) and/or various other materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover layer 50 includes a first piece of material 52 and a second piece of material 54. As discussed in further detail below, the first piece of material 52 and the second piece of material 54 are joined by a seam 56 with stitching 58. In other embodiments, the cover layer 50 may be formed from a single piece of material have no seams, or three or more pieces of material with multiple seams 56. Similarly, while the illustrated embodiment shows a seam 56 that axially bisects the flexible door 34, other embodiments may have seams 56 in other configurations, including arcs, corners, lines and/or other shapes. As discussed in further detail below, the cover layer 50 is secured to the outer surface of the cushion 46 such that the cover layer 50 may flex with the cushion 46 while substantially maintaining a substantially smooth (e.g., unwrinkled) appearance. As discussed in further detail below, the cover layer 50 may be secured to the outer surface of the cushion 46 with an adhesive connection, or via a molding process.
A thickness 70 of the cushion 46 may be configured to facilitate bending of the door 34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to an orientation of the substantially parallel ribs 44, while establishing a cushioned core suitable for use as a vehicle armrest. As will be appreciated, thicker cushions 46 may provide an armrest with enhanced comfort, while thinner cushions 46 facilitate additional flexibility. Furthermore, the cover layer 50 may be manufactured from a material such as leather, vinyl, or cloth to provide a surface suitable for use as a show surface of an armrest. By way of example, in certain embodiments, the thickness 70 may be greater than approximately 5 mm. For example, the thickness 70 may be approximately between 5 to 15, 6 to 13, 7 to 11, or about 9 mm. In addition, for cushions 46 having the integral outer skin 62, a thickness 72 of the integral outer skin 62 may be particularly selected to enable the skin to flex as the cushion 46 is compressed. For example, the thickness 72 of the integral outer skin 62 may be less than approximately 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 mm, or less. Moreover, a thickness 74 of the cover layer 50 may also be selected to enable the cover layer 50 to flex as the cushion 46 is compressed. For example, the thickness 74 may be approximately 2, 1.5 or 1.0 mm, or less.
As will be appreciated, softness of the cushion 46 may be measured by determining the resistance of the cushion to deformation. A variety of tests may be employed to determine the resistance to deformation of the cushion. For example, one known indentation force deflection (IFD) test measures the force sufficient to indent a 50 square inch cushion section by a fraction (e.g., 25%) of its thickness. Based on the 25% IFD test, soft materials may have a range of approximately between 6 to 24 pounds, intermediate materials may have a range of approximately between 24 to 36 pounds, and hard materials may have a range of approximately between 36 to 45 pounds. In certain embodiments, the cushion 46 may be composed of a material having a 25% IFD of approximately between 24 to 36 pounds. Such a softness range may provide a desired level of passenger comfort. However, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ cushions having a higher or lower softness to achieve the desired properties of the soft component.
In addition, the integral outer skin 62 may provide durability and support for the cover layer 50, while maintaining flexibility. As will be appreciated, flexibility and durability of the integral outer skin 62 may be measured by determining the hardness of the constituent material. One measure of hardness is the resistance to indentation, otherwise referred to as Durometer, denoted in the Shore A scale, for example. Within the Durometer scale, materials are generally characterized based on ranges. Hard or rigid elastomers generally include those having a Durometer greater than about 90 Shore A, soft elastomers generally include those having a Durometer of about 60 Shore A to about 90 Shore A, and super-soft elastomers generally include those having a Durometer below about 60 Shore A. In certain embodiments, the integral outer skin 62 may have a Durometer of approximately between 20 to 60 Shore A. Such a configuration may facilitate bending of the integral outer skin 62, while maintaining durability and smoothness. Maintaining the durability and smoothness of the integral outer skin 62 may enhance the ability of the outer skin 62 to support the cover layer 50. More specifically, a durable and smooth outer skin 62 may increase a bonding strength between the cover layer 50 and the integral outer skin 62. In alternative embodiments, the integral outer skin 62 may have a Durometer of less than 20 Shore A or more than 60 Shore A.
As illustrated, an occupant finger 80 is depressing the tambour door 34 in the direction 82, thereby inducing the integral outer skin 62 and the cover layer 50 to flex. As illustrated, where the finger 80 contacts the tambour door 34, the outer skin 62 has translated a distance 84 in the direction 82, thereby compressing the cushion 46. Similarly, the cover layer 50 has translated a distance 86 in the direction 82. As a result, a curvature is induced within the integral outer skin 62 and the cover layer 50. Because the integral outer skin 62 and the cover layer 50 are flexible, the possibility of crack formation is substantially reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, because the cushion 46 is compressible, the tambour door 34 may be suitable for use as an armrest within the vehicle interior 12.
The illustrated injection molded part includes two longitudinal runners 88 extending perpendicular to the ribs 44, and a series of connectors 90 extending between the runners 88 and the ribs 44. The runners 88 are formed by longitudinal flow paths configured to supply resin to each rib 44, while the connectors 90 are formed by flow paths extending between the longitudinal flow paths and the ribs 44. In the present embodiment, the runners 88 and connectors 90 serve to hold the ribs together after the injection molding process is complete. Specifically, the runners 88 and connectors 90 may maintain the spacing and orientation of the ribs 44 as the part is transferred from the first mold to a second mold for forming the cushion 46.
The illustrated injection molded part further includes two holes 92. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the tambour door 34 may include a handle attached to the tambour door 34 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 92 are configured to receive the fasteners for securing the handle to the tambour door 34. In other embodiments, the holes 92 may be configured to receive screw bosses, thereby enabling screws to pass through the holes 92 to secure the handle to the tambour door. The holes 92 may be formed by a punching process or other machining process. Alternatively, the mold used to create the injection molded part may be configured to form the holes 92. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment provides two holes 92 for mounting a handle to the tambour door 34, other embodiments may include more or fewer holes 92. As will be appreciated, other embodiments may include holes 92 for mounting other components, such as knobs or other grips, to the tambour door 34.
As shown, the cushion 46 further includes two holes 94. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the tambour door 34 may include a handle attached to the tambour door 34 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc. The holes 94 in the cushion 46 are configured to receive the fasteners for securing the handle to the tambour door 34. In some embodiments, the holes 94 may be created by a machining process such as drilling or cutting. In other embodiments, the mold used to form the cushion 46 may be configured to form the holes 94. As will be appreciated, the holes 94 of the cushion 46 may align with the holes 92 of the injection molded part such that each hole 94 and 92 may receive a respective fastener. Additionally, the cushion 46 also includes a seam relief 96 configured to receive the seam 56. As discussed in detail below, the cover layer 50 may include one or more seams 56 that may join one or more pieces of material as well as enhance the appearance of the cover layer 50. The seam relief 96 may be formed by cutting or milling a portion of the cushion 46 corresponding to the position of the seam 56. For example, in embodiments having the high density flexible outer skin 62, the seam relief 96 may be formed by cutting away a portion of the high density flexible outer skin 62. Alternatively, the mold used to form the cushion 46 may include a protrusion configured to form the seam relief 96 during the molding process.
As mentioned above, the illustrated embodiment further includes a cover layer 50 partially secured to the cushion 46. More specifically, the cover layer 50 includes a show surface 98 and a rear surface 100. As previously discussed, the cover layer 50 may be manufactured from leather, vinyl, fabric, a woven material, and/or a non-woven material, for example. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the cover layer 50 may include one or more seams 56 that join one or more pieces of material to form the cover layer 50, as well as enhance the appearance of the cover layer 50. For example, the seam 56 may include a French seam, a lapped seam, a bound seam, and/or a flat seam. The illustrated embodiment includes a French seam 56 formed by securing the first piece of material 52 to the second piece of material 54 with stitching 58. Moreover, the French seam 56 includes a protrusive portion 102 on the rear surface 100 of the cover layer 50. As the cover layer 50 is applied and secured to the cushion 46, the protrusive portion 102 aligns with, and is received by, the seam relief 96, as shown in
As previously mentioned, the cover layer 50 may be secured to the cushion 46 by an adhesive connection. The illustrated embodiment shows the cover layer 50 partially secured to the cushion 46. In some embodiments, the adhesive connection may include glues such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resins, etc. As will be appreciated, certain adhesives may be preferred for various applications depending on the material used to manufacture the cover layer 50 (e.g., leather, vinyl, fabric, etc). Alternatively, the cover layer 50 may be secured to the cushion 46 by a molding process, as discussed in further detail below.
As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the tambour door 34 may include a handle attached to the tambour door 34 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, cover layer 50 includes holes 104. The holes 104 are configured to receive the fasteners for securing the handle to the tambour door 34. The holes 104 may be formed by a machining process such as cutting or punching. As will be appreciated, the machining process used to form the holes 104 may vary depending on the material used to manufacture the cover layer 50 (e.g., leather, vinyl, cloth, etc). Furthermore, the holes 104 may align with the holes 94 of the cushion 46 and the holes 92 of the injection molded part such that each hole 104, 94 and 92 may receive a respective fastener.
Subsequently, a second mold having a cavity that defines the shape of the cushion 46 may be lined with a cover layer 50, as represented by block 110. More specifically, the show surface 98 of the cover layer 50 may be disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the cavity. As previously discussed, the cover layer 50 may be manufactured from leather, vinyl, fabric, a woven material, and/or a non-woven material, for example.
After the first resin has cured and/or hardened, the ribs 44 may be transferred to the second mold for forming the cushion, as represented by block 112. As previously discussed, the ribs 44 may include runners 88 and connectors 90 configured to hold the ribs 44 in the desired orientation and maintain the spacing between ribs 44. Consequently, the ribs 44 may be transferred from the first mold to the second mold as a single unit. The second mold may include recesses configured to accept the ribs 44, thereby aligning the ribs with the cavity that defines the shape of the cushion. Foam may then be poured into the second mold to form the cushion, as represented by block 114.
As previously discussed, two reactive compounds may be mixed and poured into the mold, thereby forming the cushion 46. Furthermore, the cushion 46 will bond to the ribs 44 and to the rear surface 98 of the cover layer 50 as the foam cures. Once the molding process is complete, the tambour door 34 may be removed from the mold. Finally, as represented by block 116, the runners 88 and the connectors 90 are removed from the completed tambour door 34.
While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.
This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/429,358, entitled “FLEXIBLE INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENT WITH A COVER LAYER”, filed Jan. 3, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US12/20105 | 1/3/2012 | WO | 00 | 10/7/2013 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61429358 | Jan 2011 | US |
