JP2005515105A - Joint assembly for trim panel - Google Patents

Abstract

  A trim panel joint comprising an inner surface, an outer surface and first and second outer covers having a connector portion formed thereon, and a connector platform. The connector platform includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion is joined to the first outer cover connector portion, and the second connector portion is joined to the second outer cover connector portion.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an automotive trim panel having a plurality of cover portions and a method for joining the plurality of cover portions. The automobile trim panel may be provided with a plurality of colors, materials, textures, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism and method for forming a joint line having a satisfactory appearance between the plurality of cover portions.

  As with other forms of traffic, it is well known to provide a trim panel to cover the interior of a car to surround sharp edges, improve aesthetics, and reduce external noise. In the early stages, these trim panels were metal or hard plastic parts, but as the vehicle interior became more comfortable, comfortable and luxurious, leather with softer material and foam backing, A combination of fabric, fabric, synthetic leather, and injection molded plastic is standard. These softer (and often padded) trim panels are generally provided vertically to surround the inner wall of the vehicle body that forms the passenger compartment. In order to further improve the aesthetics of the vehicle interior, it is desirable to reduce the number of joint lines or the situation where undulating and unsightly gaps occur. Dimensional alignment of adjacent trim panels is often a problem. This is because these panels must be provided such that their class A surfaces are flush with each other in the vehicle and that the gap between the panels is narrow and uniform. Therefore, rather than a plurality of small trim panels, a smaller number of large panels are used. Large panels, however, must meet a wider combination of ambient and usage requirements. This creates a vertical “belt line” or midpoint in the panel, but this panel clarifies the need for it to have certain properties on its upper side closer to the car window than near the floor. The upper sides of these vertical trim panels are generally lighter in color and are softer than the midpoint or beltline and more prone to soiling, rubbing or kicking. In addition, the top side is exposed to more sunlight through the vehicle glass (greenhouse effect), which requires the trim panel to be made of a more expensive weatherproof material.

  For this reason, there has been a need to provide a vehicle trim panel that combines many colors, many textures, and many materials into a single larger trim member. The finish of the joint line between these multiple materials remained problematic, especially when a smooth and aesthetically pleasing “first class” finish was desired. In order to improve the aesthetic appearance of such trim panels, it is possible to create an appearance characterized by smoothly flowing joint lines with precise dimensional alignment in all three axes so that no non-uniform gaps are formed with respect to adjacent panels. It is desired.

  A first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein, a second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein, and a first connector portion and a second connector portion. A trim panel joint, wherein the first connector part is joined to the first outer cover connector part, and the second connector part is joined to the second outer cover connector part.

  A first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface, a joint line edge and a connector part formed therein, the connector part comprising a plurality of receptacles arranged along the first outer cover joint line edge. The receptacle is a first outer cover having a through-hole, and a second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface, a joint line edge portion, and a connector portion formed therein, the connector portion being a second outer cover joint line. A joint for a trim panel, comprising a plurality of receptacles arranged along an edge, the receptacle comprising a second outer cover comprising a through hole. A connector platform having a first connector portion and a second connector portion is provided, wherein the first connector portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the second connector portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusion of the first connector portion of the connector platform is The connector platform extends into the receptacle of the first outer cover to form a joint between the first connector portion of the connector platform and the first outer cover connector portion. The protrusion of the second connector portion of the connector platform extends into the receptacle of the second outer cover to form a joint between the connector platform second connector portion and the second outer cover connector portion.

  A first outer cover; a second outer cover; a connector platform; a joint comprising the first outer cover and the second outer cover joined to the connector platform; the first outer cover and the second outer cover; And a substrate held in a spaced relationship with respect to the trim panel, wherein the spaced relationship is formed by a foam.

  A first outer cover; a second outer cover; a connector platform; a joint comprising the first outer cover and the second outer cover joined to the connector platform; the first outer cover and the second outer cover; A trim panel comprising: a substrate formed directly behind the substrate, the substrate comprising a reaction injection molded plastic composition.

  A method for forming a joint for a trim panel, wherein a first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein is provided, and the inner surface, the outer surface and a connector portion formed therein are provided. A second outer cover is supplied, a connector platform having a first connector portion and a second connector portion is supplied, the first connector portion is joined to the first outer cover connector portion, and the second connector portion is connected to the second outer cover. The method which comprises the process of joining to a connector part.

  These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

  The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Here, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

  The present invention provides a trim panel assembly that includes a variety of different outer cover portions that are attached to, and positioned and held by, a joint connector platform. This connector platform is securely positioned in the foam mold to ensure the three-dimensional position of the joint line. Following in situ foam molding to attach the outer cover portion to the substrate, the connector platform may be fitted with a joint cover to obtain a finished trim panel. In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for accurately attaching and positioning a plurality of outer cover portions to a connector platform that forms a finished trim panel joint line. The present invention ensures that any combination of leather, fabric, fabric, molded rigid plastic, etc. can be combined to form an aesthetically pleasing trim panel.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a connector platform having an attached outer cover portion is securely positioned within the foam forming mold to align the outer cover portion and joint line with the periphery of the substrate and trim member. . According to another aspect of the invention, in the final assembled situation, the joint cover is affixed onto the connector platform to provide the desired appearance.

  An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention uses the platform connector as a finished joint cover or trim bezel by reversing the assembly procedure for the outer cover portion of the platform connector. Therefore, the platform connector extends from the outer surface of the outer cover portion through the inner surface of the outer cover portion. In this embodiment, the positioning groove in the cavity of the foam mold corresponds to the surface of the connector platform and positions the outer cover / connector platform assembly so that a finished appearance is obtained directly from the mold.

  A further alternative preferred embodiment in which the trim panel is formed by placing the connector platform / outer cover part assembly in the mold cavity and forming the substrate behind the assembly by injection RIM urethane reinforced with fiberglass. Is provided.

  A typical automotive interior trim panel is shown in FIG. As shown, the internal trim panel 10 forms a door trim panel. Other examples of trim panel 10 include (but are not limited to) instrument panels, headliners, quarter panels, consoles, door panels and package shelves.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the trim panel 10 includes a flexible outer cover 12, a substrate 14, and an intermediate foam layer 16 disposed therebetween. Preferably, the substrate 14 is configured to attach or otherwise hold the trim panel 10 to other members of the vehicle, such as the vehicle body, either directly or indirectly (eg, with latches). In addition, the trim panel 10 has a sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the trim panel 10 and to exhibit self-supporting properties with respect to mounting and use in the vehicle.

  As best shown in FIG. 3, the outer cover 12 includes at least two outer cover portions, a first outer cover portion 18 and a second outer cover portion 20. The outer surfaces 62 and 64 of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 are generally aesthetic appearances that enter the eyes of a vehicle occupant. With respect to the cover material, the outer cover portions 18, 20 may be formed from a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer. Examples include (but are not limited to) polyacetal, polyamide, polyurethane, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, thermoplastic olefin, thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, and polyphenylene oxide. The outer cover portions 18 and 20 are preferably formed by (but not limited to) plastic molding processes such as spray coating, casting, rotational molding, slush molding, blow molding, vacuum molding, and thermoforming.

  The outer cover portion 18 and the outer cover portion 20 may further differ in color, grain pattern, thickness, and / or material. Examples of different materials include (but are not limited to) cloth, leather, synthetic leather, fabric, fur and the like. Depending on the type of vehicle and the conditions of use of that part of the trim panel (rubbing, wear, light exposure, contact with vehicle occupants), one outer cover part may be softer or harder than the other, or One outer cover part consists of a continuous sheet or film, whereas the other may consist of a woven fabric.

  Each outer cover portion 18, 20 preferably includes a plurality of receptacles 22, 24, respectively. As shown, the receptacles 22 and 24 have through holes. As shown in FIG. 3, the receptacles 22, 24 are adjacent to and disposed along the joint line edges 26, 28 that form the opposing contours of the outer cover parts 18, 20. As further shown in FIG. 1, opposing joint line edges 26, 28 extend across the surface 30 of the trim panel 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the receptacles 22, 24 are each preferably formed perpendicular to the transverse thicknesses 32, 34 of the outer cover portions 18, 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when each is joined to the connector platform 36, the joint assembly 8 is formed from the outer cover portions 18 and 20. The connector platform 36 is preferably made of a plastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material. Examples of thermoplastics include polyacetal, polyamide, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, thermoplastic olefin, thermoplastic elastomer and polyphenylene oxide ( However, it is not limited to these). The connector platform 36 is preferably formed by a plastic molding process such as, but not limited to, injection molding or extrusion. However, it can also be formed from a molded metal strip or a combination of molded metal and plastic.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector platform 36 includes a plurality of protrusions 38, 40 and extends along the surface 30 of the trim panel 10. Further, as shown in the drawing, the pattern of the protrusions 38 and 40 existing on the connector platform 36 extending across the surface 30 of the trim panel 10 exactly matches the pattern of the receptacles 22 and 24 disposed on the outer cover portions 18 and 20. To do.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the protrusions 38 and 40 mechanically engage with the receptacles 22 and 24 of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 when they are received in the receptacles 22 and 24. As shown, the protrusions 38, 40 preferably comprise a positioning device in the form of a post, which has a constant diameter that is less than its length from the upper end to the root. That is, when functioning as a positioning device, the protrusions 38 and 40 determine the positions of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 with respect to the connector platform 36 and also move the outer cover portion 18 across the surface 30 of the trim panel 10. 20 is joined. For example, the protrusions 38, 40 typically have a diameter that is 0.0001 "to 0.04" smaller than the diameter of the receptacles 22, 24, and more preferably 0.001 "to 0. 0 less than the diameter of the receptacles 22, 24. 01 "with a small diameter.

  After the protrusions 38, 40 extend into the receptacles 22, 24, preferably the inner surfaces 42, 44 of the outer cover portions 18, 20 are connected to the outer surfaces 46, 50 of the connector flange portions 50, 52 from which the protrusions 38, 40 extend. 48 is contacted. More preferably, the inner surfaces 42 and 44 of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 are bonded to the outer surfaces 46 and 48 of the connector flange portions 50 and 52, and more preferably self-welded. That is, they are bonded so that the adhesive material is comprised of the material comprising the outer cover portions 18, 20 and / or the connector platform 36 itself, as opposed to utilizing a separate material such as an adhesive. .

  In order to achieve self-welding between the inner surfaces 42, 44 and the outer surfaces 46, 48, preferably the interface (i.e. the contact location) between the two materials is placed under the influence of heat and pressure. By applying heat and pressure to the cover portions 18, 20 and / or the connector platform 36, at least a surface portion of the cover and / or connector subjected to heat softens and / or melts to impart adhesive properties thereto. . Usually, a molten thin layer is formed on at least one of the plastic surfaces to be joined. At that time, the cover portions 18 and 20 and the connector platform 36 may be pressurized together. This melt quickly cools and bonds the surfaces together. At this point, the clamping force is released.

  The above description may be more appropriately characterized as a thermal self-welding. That is, self-welding is achieved by applying heat to at least one of the members to be bonded. Furthermore, the temperature at which thermal self-welding occurs may be referred to as “thermal self-welding temperature”.

  Self-welding may also be performed without the use of heat, for example by using a suitable solvent applied to the member to be bonded, which “softens” the bonding surface. Adhesive action is achieved by evaporation of the solvent, its absorption into adjacent materials, and / or diffusion of chain segments across the liquefied polymer molecule or interface.

  Although self-welding is a preferred bonding method, the bonding of the inner surfaces 42, 44 to the outer surfaces 46, 48 may be accomplished by methods known in the art, whether or not they are self-melting. You should understand that. This includes, for example, vibration welding, ultrasonic welding, high frequency welding, electromagnetic welding, induction welding, friction welding, hot air welding, hot plate welding, thermal staking, adhesive bonding, or mechanical latching (however, But not limited to these).

  Once the outer cover portions 18, 20 are coupled to the connector platform 36, in the preferred method of manufacturing the trim panel 10, they are subsequently placed in the mold cavity 54 of the mold assembly 56. That is, a mold assembly 56 comprising a first half mold 58 on the front side of the molded part and a second half mold 60 on the opposing side of the molded part is generally referred to as a male half and a female half mold. . As shown in FIG. 5, the outer surfaces 62 and 64 of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 are arranged in contact with the mold surface 66 of the first half mold 58, while the outer surface 68 of the substrate 14 is the mold surface of the half mold 60. It arrange | positions in the state which contacted 70. When the outer cover portion and the substrate are positioned in the mold cavity 54, the open space 72 that is finally occupied by the foam 16 between the inner surfaces 42, 44 of the outer skin portions 18, 20 and the inner surface 74 of the substrate 14. Is formed.

  The foam layer 16 is preferably formed by filling the open space 72 with foam, or more preferably with a foam precursor material. Preferably, the foam precursor is a urethane foam precursor introduced using reaction injection molding or low pressure foaming processes known in the art. After the urethane foam precursor is introduced, the reactive components, polyol and isocyanate begin to react, and subsequently the foam material produced flows and expands to fill the open space 72. As a result, the external skin portions 18 and 20 are bonded to the substrate 14. On the other hand, the foam material flows simultaneously and preferably adheres to the exposed surface of the connector platform 36. This locks all the individual components in place. The panel substrate 14 may be made of a material well known to those skilled in the art. Examples include (but are not limited to) plastic, metal, paper, woodstock, chipboard, and the like.

The foam layer 16 (which has low density and may be characterized as generally flexible or semi-rigid due to its cushioning or padding effect) preferably exhibits the following properties as shown in Table 1: .
Table 1
Property Test Method Value Density ASTM-3574-95 0.016 ~ 0.288g / cm ³
Elongation ASTM-3574-95 Over 10%

For density measurement, a suitable test method may be used, but the preferred test method is that of ASTM-3574-95, Test A-density test. For a range of the density values, but have been preferred value identified above is 0.288 g / cm ³ to not 0.016, more preferably this value is 0.06 to no 0.15 g / cm ^3. With respect to the measured values, the above values correspond to those of a single specimen (cut from the trim panel 10), and the specimen is an interior density specimen or section as specified in ASTM-3574-95. Note that it is a section density specimen, and the measured value is not the calculated median value of one or more measured specimens. This is in accordance with ASTM-3574-95, paragraph 11.1, which predicts a single specimen to be tested.

  Any suitable test method may be employed for measuring elongation, but the preferred test method is that of ASTM-3574-95, Test E-Tension Test. For the range of elongation values, the preferred value identified above is greater than or equal to 5 percent (5%). More preferably, this value is greater than or equal to ten percent (10%). Even more preferably, this value is greater than or equal to 25 percent (25%) elongation. With respect to the measured value, the above value corresponds to that of a single specimen (cut from the trim panel 14) as specified in ASTM 3574-95, and the measured value is one or more measured. Note that this is not the calculated median value of the test specimens. This is in accordance with ASTM D-3574-95, paragraph 48.1, which forecasts the three specimens to be tested and the median reported.

  Alternatively, the trim panel may preferably be formed using a reaction injection molding (RIM) process to form the substrate 14 and the backing layer 16 in a single step. This involves attaching the outer cover to the connector platform, placing the assembly in the preferred metal mold cavity, and backfilling the mold with a glass fiber reinforced RIM composition to form a semi-rigid self-supporting panel. May be implemented. Although glass fiber reinforced RIM compositions are preferred, compositions with or without other types of reinforcements may be used.

  In order to accurately position the connector platform 36 relative to the mold assembly 56, the connector platform 36 is preferably a protrusion that extends from the mold surface 66 of the first mold half 58 when the protrusion 78 is inserted into the receptacle 76. A receptacle 76 is provided that mechanically engages the portion 78. As shown in FIG. 5, the receptacle 76 preferably comprises a positioning device in the form of a U-shaped recess having a constant width along its length. That is, when functioning as a positioning device, the receptacle 76 determines the position of the connector platform 36 with respect to the first half mold 58 and with respect to the substrate 14 in the lateral direction (X and Y axes) in the same manner as the top and bottom.

  More preferably, the base portion 80 of the receptacle 76 preferably abuts against the inner surface 74 of the substrate 14 when the mold assembly 65 is closed to establish the position of the connector platform 36 relative to the outer surface 68 of the substrate. Moreover, the outer surface 82 of the base 80 is more preferably to prevent the foam 16 from extending and spreading therebetween and further to prevent the connector platform 36 from tilting relative to the surface 30 of the trim panel 10. In order to maintain the inner surface 82 in parallel with the inner surface 74 of the substrate 14, a seal is formed against the inner surface 74 of the substrate 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connector platform 36 is preferably connected to a portion of the base 84 of the U-shaped recess 86 extending across the surface 30 of the trim panel 10, and the side wall of the recess 84 comprising the outer cover portions 18, 20. Not only the portions 88 and 90 but also the remaining portion of the base 84 is connected. Thus, when mounted, the head 92 of the T-shaped joint cover 94 is such that the outer surface 96 of the joint cover 94 is substantially flush with the outer surfaces 62 and 64 of the outer cover portions 18 and 20 (ie, plus or minus 1 mm). May be arranged in the recess 84 so as to form a

  In order to join the joint cover 94 to the trim panel 10, the base 80 and the substrate 14 of the connector platform 36 are preferably provided with one or more through holes 98, 100 that coincide with one or more. Extending therethrough is a deformable snap tab 102 disposed along the bottom surface 104 of the leg 106 of the joint cover 94. The joint cover 94 is aligned with the U-shaped recess 86, and the deformable snap tab 102 is engaged in the through holes 98, 100 so that the arrow tip snap tabs 108, 110 are deformed inward in the opposite direction. Match. Once the joint cover 94 is within the recess 86, the arrow end snap tabs 108, 110 repel outward so that they engage and lock the outer surface 68 of the substrate 14, and the snap tabs 108, 110 pass through. It passes through the holes 98 and 100.

  Instead of the use of the snap tab 102 or in combination with the use of the snap tab 102, the far end surfaces 116, 118 of the projections 38, 40 connect the joint cover 94 to the trim panel 10, so The inner surfaces 120 and 122 of the part 92 may be joined. Other types of latching devices other than snap tabs may be employed, such as metal tangs, screws and nuts, grommets, and the like.

  In an alternative embodiment, the invention forms plastic, leather, cloth, or other material, but bonds the substrate and skin layer together to form an aesthetic trim panel having multiple textures and appearances. May be used without the need for a reactive polymer composition. In this embodiment, the connector platform 36 engages the trim panels or cover portions 18, 20 to position and attach them to each other. If the resulting assembly 12 comprises a relatively rigid and self-supporting injection molded panel or metal panel, it may be attached directly to the vehicle body. If a softer, more flexible material, such as a thin artificial leather, fabric or thermoplastic skin and foam laminate, is desired as the outer cover 18, 20, the alignment of the projections 38, 40 and the through holes 22, 24 and A connector platform 36 may be employed to position the cover portions 18, 20 together by engagement. The resulting assembly 12 may then be adhered directly to the surface 74 of the substrate 14 using conventional adhesives that are compatible with the plastics, fabrics, leathers or metals that form the covers 18, 20 and the substrate 14.

  In the previous embodiment, the connector platform 36 may be inverted so that its outer surface 82 is the finished surface for the joint line of the panel 10. Alternatively, the joint cover 94 may be joined to the connector platform 36 by engaging the snap tab 102 with the through holes 98, 100 in the substrate 14.

  Yet another embodiment may comprise a rigid panel substrate 14 whose lower portion (under the beltline) is finished and textured and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Thus, the substrate 14 may be the lower cover 20, while the upper portion of the substrate 14 includes an upper cover portion 18 and a hooked or bonded connector platform 36 to provide a soft surface thereon. Also good. In this embodiment, the connector platform 36 may be attached to the upper cover 18 by positioning the protrusion 38 within the through hole 22. The assembly 12 may be aligned with and attached to the upper portion of the rigid panel 14 by positioning the protrusions 40 in the holes 24 to cover the upper portion and align with the lower rigid portion 20.

  As described herein, a trim panel comprising multiple materials is provided by the use of a connector platform that attaches and positions the trim panel cover portions together. The finished trim panel is dimensionally aligned and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, a trim panel joint is provided to ensure dimensional alignment and a satisfactory finished appearance.

  Thus, a preferred embodiment discloses a connector platform 36 that includes a U-shaped receptacle 76 (see FIG. 2) having a base portion 80 and sidewall portions 112, 114. In addition, the connector platform 36 further includes flange portions 50, 52 that extend outwardly from the side wall portions 112, 114 at right angles and are parallel to the entrance of the receptacle 76. In addition, the flange portions 50, 52 further include protrusions 38, 40 extending therefrom, the protrusions being perpendicular to the flange portions 50, 52, and the side wall portions 112, 112 of the receptacle 76. 114 extends parallel to 114.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the platform connector is used as a finished joint cover or trim bezel by reversing the assembly procedure for the joint connector of the outer cover. Therefore, the platform connector extends from the outer surface of the outer cover through the inner surface of the outer cover. In this embodiment, the alignment grooves in the foam mold cavity position the connector protrusions 38, 40 relative to the substrate, and the outer surface 82 of the connector platform 36 forms the mold cavity surface to form a finished appearance directly from the mold. Seal tightly against 66.

  The specification and drawings describe embodiments of the invention that are currently preferred by the applicant. The applicant intends to describe these embodiments by the specification and drawings, and does not intend to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that all features of individual embodiments can be interchanged between embodiments that are within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the invention is capable of further modifications and variations in light of the above, so long as it is within the scope of the claims. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described in the specification and drawings.

2 is a representative perspective view of a trim panel according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2. It is a top view before an assembly of an external cover part and a connector. It is a fragmentary sectional view after an assembly of an external cover part and a connector. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the trim panel of FIG. 1 within a foam mold prior to filling with foam material.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Joint assembly 10 Automotive internal trim panel 12 External cover 14 Board | substrate 16 Intermediate foam layer 18 1st external cover part 20 2nd external cover part 22, 24 Receptacle 26, 28 Joint line edge part 36 Connector platform 38, 40 Protrusion 50, 52 Connector flange portion 54 Mold cavity 56 Mold assembly 58 First half die 60 Second half die 72 Open space 76 Receptacle 78 Projection portion 80 Receptacle base portion 94 T-shaped joint cover 98, 100 Through hole 102 Snap tab 108, 110 Arrow End snap tab

Claims (14)

A first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein;
A second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a connector portion formed therein;
A connector platform having a first connector portion and a second connector portion;
The trim panel joint, wherein the first connector part is joined to the first outer cover connector part, and the second connector part is joined to the second outer cover connector part.   A joint cover overlying the connector platform, the joint cover covering a joint portion between the connector platform first connector portion and the first outer cover connector portion; The joint for a trim panel according to claim 1, wherein the joint portion between the connector portion and the second external cover connector portion is covered. A first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface, a joint line edge portion, and a connector portion formed therein, wherein the connector portion includes a plurality of receptacles arranged along the first outer cover joint line edge portion. The receptacle includes the first outer cover including a through hole;
A second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface, a joint line edge and a connector portion formed therein, wherein the connector portion includes a plurality of receptacles arranged along the second outer cover joint line edge. The receptacle includes the second outer cover including a through hole;
A connector platform having a first connector part and a second connector part, wherein the first connector part comprises a plurality of protrusions, and the second connector part comprises a plurality of protrusions;
The protrusion of the first connector portion of the connector platform forms a joint between the connector platform first connector portion and the first outer cover connector portion, and therefore into the receptacle of the first outer cover. And the protrusion of the second connector portion of the connector platform forms the joint between the connector platform second connector portion and the second outer cover connector portion, A joint for a trim panel, wherein the cover extends into the receptacle.   A joint cover overlying the connector platform, the joint cover covering a joint portion between the connector platform first connector portion and the first outer cover connector portion; The joint for a trim panel according to claim 3, wherein the joint between the connector portion and the second outer cover connector portion is covered. A first outer cover;
A second outer cover;
A connector platform;
A joint comprising the first outer cover and the second outer cover joined to the connector platform;
A substrate held in a spaced relationship with respect to the first outer cover and the second outer cover,
A trim panel, wherein the spaced relationship is formed by a foam.   The trim panel according to claim 5, further comprising a joint cover overlapping the connector platform.   The joint cover overlying the connector platform may include a joint between the first outer cover and the connector platform and a cover of the joint between the second outer cover and the connector platform. The trim panel according to claim 6. A first outer cover;
A second outer cover;
A connector platform;
A joint comprising the first outer cover and the second outer cover joined to the connector platform;
A trim panel comprising: a substrate directly formed behind the first outer cover and the second outer cover, the substrate made of a reaction injection molded plastic composition.   The trim panel of claim 8, further comprising a joint cover overlying the connector platform.   The joint cover overlying the connector platform includes a joint between the first outer cover and the connector platform and a joint covering between the second outer cover and the connector platform. Item 10. The trim panel according to Item 9.   The trim panel of claim 8, wherein the reaction injection molded plastic composition is reinforced with fibers.   The trim panel according to claim 8, wherein the reaction injection molded plastic composition is made of polyurethane. A method for forming a joint for a trim panel,
Providing a first outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein;
Supplying a second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein;
Providing a connector platform having a first connector portion and a second connector portion;
Joining the first connector part to the first outer cover connector part and joining the second connector part to the second outer cover connector part. And further comprising a stack of the connector platform and the joint cover together with a supply of a joint cover, the joint cover covering the joint between the connector platform first connector part and the first outer cover connector part; The method of claim 13, wherein the joint cover covers the joint between the connector platform second connector portion and the second outer cover connector portion.

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