Automobile exterior trimming part capable of transmitting radar waves and preparation method of automobile exterior trimming part

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of surface treatment of automobile exterior trimming parts, and particularly relates to a radar-wave-permeable automobile exterior trimming part and a preparation method thereof. The automobile exterior trimming part comprises an exterior trimming part body and a radar-wave-permeable film layer structure located on the upper surface of the exterior trimming part body, and the radar-wave-permeable film layer structure sequentially comprises a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer and a second indium oxide film layer. According to the automobile exterior trimming part, the structure that the metal indium film layer is protected by the double indium oxide film layer is adopted, the white light penetrating effect of the automobile exterior trimming part is ensured, and the efficient radar wave penetrating function is achieved. The film layer structure realizes a high standard that radar wave bidirectional transmission attenuation is less than 3dB, and perfectly accords with the trend of intelligent and networking development of the current automobile industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of surface treatment of automobile exterior parts, and in particular relates to an automobile exterior part that is transparent to radar waves and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the automobile industry and technological progress, the application of plastic parts in car body design is becoming more and more extensive, not only limited to interior decoration, but also extended to the field of exterior decoration. Luminous and radar-transmissive products have gradually become the focus of automobile design, especially in exterior decoration parts such as car lights and luminous grilles. As consumers continue to pursue the quality of automobile appearance, plastic parts must not only achieve the high gloss of the car body level, but also integrate innovative highlights such as luminous car logos and grilles to highlight the personality and technological charm of the vehicle. However, although the exterior decoration parts with traditional evaporation PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating can meet the basic appearance decoration needs, they cannot take into account the dual performance of white light emission and radar wave penetration. In addition, the traditional water electroplating process can only achieve single-color coating, lacks the ability to flexibly control the multi-layer structure, and cannot meet the complex requirements of both wave transmission and white light emission.

[0003] The accelerated advancement of automobile intelligence has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to traditional exterior trims. In addition to continuing their original decorative functions, modern automobile exterior trims have been given more intelligent attributes, the most critical of which is the ability to emit white light and penetrate radar waves. The characteristics of white light can not only enhance the vehicle's sense of technology and recognition, but also is an indispensable part of the intelligent driving assistance system (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology. At the same time, exterior trims must have good radar wave penetration to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle-mounted radar system and achieve accurate environmental perception and obstacle detection.

[0004] However, the existing white light-emitting film structure often adopts the method of coating a layer of metal indium on the surface. Although it can achieve a certain optical effect, the chemical properties of metal indium are unstable and it is very easy to oxidize in the air, causing the surface to turn yellow, which seriously affects the appearance quality and service life. In order to solve this problem, a layer of indium oxide is usually plated on the surface of the metal indium layer to provide protection, but this additional indium oxide film layer brings new troubles. In the test of two-way radar wave penetration performance, the film layer of this structure showed a radar wave attenuation of more than 5dB, which far exceeds the modern car's requirement for radar wave penetration performance of less than 3dB, thus limiting its application potential in smart models that need to have strong radar wave penetration function.

[0005] In view of this, developing a new film structure that can maintain beautiful white light emission effects and have excellent radar wave penetration performance has become the key to promoting innovation and intelligent transformation in the automotive industry. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem that the luminous decorative parts in the prior art cannot transmit radar waves, and designs an automobile exterior decorative part that can transmit radar waves and a preparation method thereof.

[0007] One object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] A radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim comprises an exterior trim body and a radar-transmissive film layer structure located on the upper surface of the exterior trim body, wherein the radar-transmissive film layer structure comprises a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer and a second indium oxide film layer in sequence.

[0009] Preferably, the thickness of the first indium oxide film layer is 5-20 nm.

[0010] Preferably, the thickness of the metal indium film layer is 5 to 20 nm.

[0011] Preferably, the thickness of the second indium oxide film layer is 2-10 nm.

[0012] Preferably, a primer layer is further provided between the exterior trim body and the first indium oxide film layer.

[0013] The color of the primer layer can be any color. Preferably, the color of the primer layer is consistent with the color of the vehicle body, so that the color of the exterior trim is consistent with that of the vehicle body.

[0014] Preferably, the primer layer has a thickness of 5 to 10 μm.

[0015] Preferably, the primer layer includes a middle hollow area.

[0016] Optionally, a primer transition layer and / or a varnish layer is further provided between the primer layer and the first indium oxide film layer. The primer transition layer and the varnish layer are both transparent in color.

[0017] Preferably, the thickness of the primer transition layer is 5 to 10 μm; the thickness of the varnish layer is 5 to 10 μm.

[0018] Preferably, a middle paint layer is further provided on the second indium oxide film layer.

[0019] Preferably, the thickness of the middle paint layer is 5 to 10 μm.

[0020] Preferably, a topcoat layer is further provided on the middle paint layer.

[0021] Preferably, the topcoat layer has a thickness of 5 to 10 μm.

[0022] Preferably, the radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim can reduce the bidirectional transmission attenuation of radar waves to less than 3 dB on the basis of a light transmission color temperature of 5200 to 6500 K (ie, white light).

[0023] Conventional automobile exterior parts with a single indium oxide film structure have a bidirectional radar wave attenuation test of more than 5dB, far from the performance requirement of less than 3dB, and cannot be used in some cars that need to have radar wave penetration function. However, the automobile exterior parts of the present invention are plated with indium oxide film layers on the front and back surfaces of the metal indium film layer to form a double protective barrier. Through the change of the lattice after the combination of different materials, the attenuation of radar waves can be greatly reduced without affecting the transmittance of visible light.

[0024] The second object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0025] A method for preparing a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim comprises the following steps: firstly, a primer layer is provided on the exterior trim body, and the primer is hollowed out; and then, a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer, and a second indium oxide film layer are plated on the primer in sequence.

[0026] Preferably, the outer decoration body material includes one or more of PC, PMMA, PBT, PES, and PEI, and more preferably PC.

[0027] Preferably, the middle area of ​​the primer is hollowed out by laser engraving.

[0028] Preferably, a primer transition layer and / or a varnish layer is provided between the primer and the first indium oxide film layer as required.

[0029] Preferably, a middle paint layer is provided on the surface of the second indium oxide film layer as required.

[0030] Preferably, a topcoat layer is provided on the surface of the middle paint layer as required.

[0031] Preferably, one or more of the primer layer, primer transition layer, clear coat layer, mid-coat layer and top coat layer are formed by one or more methods such as spraying, printing and the like, and then formed by thermal curing or UV curing.

[0032] Preferably, one or more of the first indium oxide film layer, the metal indium film layer and the second indium oxide film layer are coated using electron beam coating technology.

[0033] Electron beam coating is a vacuum coating technology that uses a focused high-speed electron beam to hit the coating material, generating a large amount of heat energy, causing the material to evaporate instantly. The evaporated atoms or molecules diffuse in gaseous form and fly in a vacuum environment, eventually depositing on the surface of the primer to form a thin film. Its advantage is that it can provide highly pure and precisely controlled films, and can achieve accurate control of film thickness and composition.

[0034] Preferably, the oxygen filling amount during the plating of the first indium oxide film layer is controlled at 20-50 sccm.

[0035] Preferably, the oxygen filling amount during the plating of the second indium oxide film layer is controlled at 20-50 sccm.

[0036] Optionally, when electron beam coating technology is used for coating, ion source assisted coating technology may be used as needed.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] 1. The present invention provides a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim, in which an indium oxide film is plated on the front and rear surfaces of a metal indium film layer in a film structure to form a double protective barrier. This effectively solves the problem of easy oxidation and yellowing of traditional exterior trims due to only a single indium oxide film layer protecting them, significantly improves the aesthetics of the exterior trims, and prolongs their service life.

[0039] 2. The present invention provides a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim, which uses a double indium oxide film layer to protect a metal indium film layer, which not only ensures the white light-transmissive effect of the automotive exterior trim, but also has an efficient radar wave penetration function. The film layer structure achieves a high standard of less than 3dB of radar wave bidirectional transmission attenuation, which perfectly matches the current trend of the automotive industry towards intelligence and networking.

[0040] 3. The present invention provides a method for preparing a radar-transparent automotive exterior trim, which uses an integrated electron beam coating process. Compared with traditional processes, integrated coating integrates multiple production steps, which can simplify the production process, reduce production links, reduce energy consumption and material waste, and production costs, improve manufacturing efficiency, and is suitable for large-scale industrial production; electron beam coating can generate a more uniform and dense coating, effectively solving the performance problems caused by uneven coating, and can also accurately control the thickness of the coating, thereby significantly improving the overall quality and market competitiveness of the product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Among them, 1 is a plastic decoration, 2 is a primer layer, 21 is a primer transition layer, 22 is a varnish layer, 3 is a first indium oxide film layer, 4 is a metal indium film layer, 5 is a second indium oxide film layer, 6 is a middle paint layer, 7 is a topcoat layer, and 8 is a hollow area in the middle of the primer layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. And the drawings used herein are only for better illustrating the disclosed content of the present invention and do not have a limiting effect on the scope of protection. In addition, it should be understood that after reading the content taught by the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0044] In the following examples and comparative examples, the primer layer, primer transition layer, clear coat layer, mid-coat layer, and top coat layer are formed by spraying, and then the paint layer is formed by thermal curing. The primer layer has a thickness of 10 μm, the primer transition layer has a thickness of 10 μm, the clear coat layer has a thickness of 10 μm, the mid-coat layer has a thickness of 10 μm, and the top coat layer has a thickness of 10 μm. PPG paint is used, the curing temperature is 80° C., and the curing time is 8 hours.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] The method for preparing a film structure for making a light-emitting exterior trim of an automobile transparent to radar waves in this embodiment comprises the following steps:

[0047] (1) Spraying a black primer on the PC trim by spraying, and forming a primer layer after curing. The middle area of ​​the primer layer is hollowed out by laser engraving, and then spraying and curing are performed to form a transparent primer transition layer and a transparent varnish layer;

[0048] (2) using electron beam coating technology combined with ion source assisted coating technology in a vacuum coating machine to sequentially coat a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer, and a second indium oxide film layer;

[0049] The thickness of the first indium oxide film layer is 10 nm, and the electron beam coating process conditions are: vacuum degree 8.0×10 -4 Pa, evaporation rate is 0.3nm / s, oxygen filling amount is 25sccm; ion source assisted coating process conditions are: voltage 400V, current 400A, Ar flow rate is 25sccm;

[0050] The thickness of the metal indium layer is 9nm, and the electron beam coating process conditions are: vacuum degree 8.0×10 -4Pa, evaporation rate is 0.3nm / s; ion source assisted coating process conditions are: voltage 400V, current 400A, Ar flow rate is 25sccm;

[0051] The thickness of the second indium oxide film layer is 3 nm, and the electron beam coating process conditions are: vacuum degree 8.0×10 -4 Pa, evaporation rate is 0.3nm / s, oxygen filling amount is 25sccm; ion source assisted coating process conditions are: voltage 400V, current 400A, Ar flow rate is 25sccm;

[0052] (3) spraying a mid-coat on the multilayer film by a spraying process, and forming a mid-coat layer after curing;

[0053] (4) The topcoat is sprayed on the midcoat by spraying technology, and a topcoat layer is formed after curing, which plays a protective role.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to Example 1 of the present invention. 1 is a plastic trim, 2 is a primer layer, 21 is a primer transition layer, 22 is a clear coat layer, 3 is a first indium oxide film layer, 4 is a metal indium film layer, 5 is a second indium oxide film layer, 6 is a mid-coat layer, 7 is a topcoat layer, and 8 is a hollow region in the primer layer.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in embodiment 2: the thickness of the first indium oxide film layer is 9 nm; the thickness of the metal indium layer is 10 nm; and the thickness of the second indium oxide film layer is 2 nm. The rest is the same as embodiment 1.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in embodiment 3: the thickness of the first indium oxide film layer is 9 nm, and the oxygen filling amount is 30 sccm; the thickness of the metal indium layer is 9 nm; the thickness of the second indium oxide film layer is 3 nm, and the oxygen filling amount is 30 sccm. The rest is the same as embodiment 1.

[0059] Example 4

[0060] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the transparent primer transition layer and the transparent varnish layer are not sprayed, and the rest is the same as embodiment 1.

[0061] Example 5

[0062] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the middle paint layer is not sprayed, and the rest is the same as embodiment 1.

[0063] Example 6

[0064] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the topcoat layer is not sprayed, and the rest is the same as embodiment 1.

[0065] Comparative Example 1

[0066] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the metal indium film layer and the indium oxide film layer are plated in sequence in the film layer structure; wherein the thickness of the metal indium layer is 9 nm; the thickness of the indium oxide film layer is 10 nm, and the oxygen filling amount is 25 sccm. The rest is the same as Example 1.

[0067] Comparative Example 2

[0068] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the indium oxide film layer and the metal indium film layer are plated in sequence in the film layer structure; wherein the thickness of the indium oxide film layer is 10 nm, and the oxygen filling amount is 25 sccm; and the thickness of the metal indium layer is 9 nm. The rest is the same as Example 1.

[0069] The automotive luminous exterior trim products prepared in Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 were tested for light transmittance, light transmittance color temperature, and bidirectional radar wave attenuation. The specific test results are shown in Table 1.

[0070] Table 1 Performance test results of various embodiments and comparative examples

[0071]

[0072] As shown in Table 1, it can be seen from Examples 1 to 6 that the automotive luminous exterior trim products prepared using the technical solution of the present invention have a film structure that allows the automotive luminous exterior trim to transmit radar waves, so that the product has good light transmittance and transmits a cool-toned light source that is closer to natural white light; on this basis, the transmission attenuation of the two-way radar wave is less than 3dB, which means that the loss of the radar signal is small, which is conducive to maintaining the performance of the radar system.

[0073] It can be seen from Comparative Examples 1 to 2 that conventional automotive luminous exterior trim products only have a film structure of a layer of metallic indium and a layer of indium oxide. The light transmittance and color temperature of the obtained comparative products are slightly lower than those in the embodiment, which means that the light source is warmer than that in the embodiment. At the same time, the two-way radar wave transmission attenuation of the comparative products is much higher than that in the embodiment, which will cause a significant loss of radar signals, thereby affecting the detection distance and accuracy of the radar.

[0074] The various aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention should be considered to be illustrative in all aspects and not limiting of the present invention, the scope of which is defined solely by the claims. Other embodiments, modifications, and uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0075] In the preparation method of the present invention, the order of each step is not limited to the order listed. For those skilled in the art, without creative work, the order of each step is also within the protection scope of the present invention. In addition, two or more steps or actions can be performed simultaneously.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are merely examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the present invention. A person skilled in the art of the present invention may make various modifications or supplements to the specific embodiments described, or replace them in a similar manner. It is not necessary and impossible to provide all examples of all implementation methods here. However, these obvious changes or modifications derived from the essential spirit of the present invention still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, and interpreting them as any additional limitation is contrary to the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim, characterized in that: It comprises an exterior decoration body and a radar-transmissive film layer structure located on the upper surface of the exterior decoration body, wherein the radar-transmissive film layer structure comprises a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer and a second indium oxide film layer in sequence.

2. The radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the first indium oxide film layer is 5 to 20 nm; And / or, the thickness of the metal indium film layer is 5 to 20 nm; And / or, the thickness of the second indium oxide film layer is 2-10 nm.

3. The radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 1, characterized in that: A primer layer is further arranged between the exterior trim body and the first indium oxide film layer. The thickness of the primer layer is 5 to 10 μm, and the primer layer includes a middle hollow area.

4. The radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 1, characterized in that: A middle paint layer is also arranged on the second indium oxide film layer, and the thickness of the middle paint layer is 5-10 μm.

5. The radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 1, characterized in that: A topcoat layer is also arranged on the middle paint layer, and the thickness of the topcoat layer is 5-10 μm.

6. The radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automotive exterior trim that is transparent to radar waves can make the two-way transmission attenuation of radar waves less than 3 dB on the basis of a light transmission color temperature of 5200 to 6500 K.

7. The method for preparing a radar-transmissive automotive exterior part according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The preparation method comprises the following steps: firstly, a primer layer is arranged on the exterior trim body, and the primer is hollowed out; and then, a first indium oxide film layer, a metal indium film layer and a second indium oxide film layer are plated on the primer in sequence.

8. The method for preparing a radar-transmissive automotive exterior trim according to claim 7, characterized in that: The exterior trim body material includes one or more of PC, PMMA, PBT, PES, and PEI.

9. The method for preparing a car luminous exterior decoration product according to claim 7, characterized in that: The middle area of ​​the primer is hollowed out by laser engraving; a primer transition layer and / or a varnish layer is arranged between the primer and the first indium oxide film layer as needed; a mid-coat layer is arranged on the surface of the second indium oxide film layer as needed; a topcoat layer is arranged on the surface of the mid-coat layer as needed; one or more of the primer layer, primer transition layer, varnish layer, mid-coat layer and topcoat layer are formed by one or more methods of spraying, printing and printing, and then formed by thermal curing or UV curing.

10. The method for preparing a car luminous exterior decoration product according to claim 7, characterized in that: One or more of the first indium oxide film layer, the metal indium film layer and the second indium oxide film layer are coated using electron beam coating technology; the oxygen content of the first indium oxide film layer is controlled at 20 to 50 sccm during coating; and the oxygen content of the second indium oxide film layer is controlled at 20 to 50 sccm during coating.

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