A vehicle body part including a light emitting element positioned below a transparent resin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body part (10) of a motor vehicle (120), comprising a wall (20) having an outer surface (30), an inner surface (40) and at least one opening (50), characterized in that the part (10) includes an optical element (60) fixed on the inner surface (40) and facing (along) the opening (50), the opening (50) being filled with a transparent or translucent resin (100) to ensure a seal between the outer surface (30) and the optical element (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of the motor vehicle industry, and more specifically, to a motor vehicle body part including optical elements. Background Technology

[0002] Components are known to be attached to body parts, with the purpose of highlighting lines or protruding shapes to enhance the image that the manufacturer wants associated with its vehicle model.

[0003] For example, chrome strips extending along the side of the vehicle, underbody protection devices, brand logos, door handle trims, and rearview mirror housings are such styling parts that vehicle designers pay particular attention to in their design. Extending this further, all exteriorly visible body parts that contribute to the overall appearance of the vehicle (e.g., closures, bumpers, radiator grilles) can also be considered body elements or styling parts falling within the scope of this invention.

[0004] To enhance the effect produced by these body components, it has been proposed to arrange the light source behind the surface of the body component formed of a transparent material. This involves light-emitting elements or light-emitting signatures for these body components. For example, vehicle bumpers that include light-emitting seams are known.

[0005] Currently, most such light-emitting elements include a light source disposed directly beneath a transparent surface of the vehicle body element. For example, such light-emitting devices are known to include a light source disposed within a cavity formed in a diffuser. When the light source is lit, light passes through the transparent element, illuminating the entire element.

[0006] The drawback of these light-emitting elements is that they require rigid supports that are well-suited for placement in the housing of vehicle body parts. This makes the solution difficult to adapt easily to all types of housings.

[0007] Moreover, assembling such light-emitting elements on the vehicle body skin has the defects of large assembly gaps and exposed parts, which is incompatible with the visual quality required for motor vehicles.

[0008] This problem is particularly pronounced for large vehicle body parts, where optical elements must be large in size. In fact, the only feasible way to attach such elongated optical elements is to incorporate elongated slots (or grooves) within the body part to receive them. However, such slots tend to open due to the flexibility of the part walls, thus highlighting gaps and / or protrusions (irregularities).

[0009] For opaque parts, this problem can be solved by using hook points to the part wall, since these hook points are not visible from the outside of the vehicle. However, for optical elements, the light must not be disturbed by, for example, the hook elements, and the light must be uniform along the entire length of the optical element.

[0010] A solution is also known from document FR3074116, which describes a motor vehicle body part comprising a wall having a groove in the middle of a skin and an optical element having a body that is elastically nested into the groove. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is particularly to overcome the above-mentioned defects by providing a motor vehicle body part having an optical element located below an opening in the part wall, wherein a seal and protection are ensured by injecting or pouring resin into the opening.

[0012] For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a body part for a motor vehicle, comprising a wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one opening. The part includes an optical element fixed to the inner surface and facing the opening, the opening being filled with a transparent or translucent resin to ensure a seal between the outer surface and the optical element.

[0013] Other optional features that may be used individually or in combination for this body part:

[0014] - Optical elements are fixed to the internal surface in a sealed manner, for example by adhesion;

[0015] - The optical element includes at least one light-emitting element that is capable of transmitting light from the inner surface of the wall through the resin to the outer surface;

[0016] - The light-emitting element is, for example, a light source group of LED type, an optical fiber, or a light guide connected to a light source of LED type;

[0017] - The optical element includes at least one support fixed to the inner surface facing the opening, on which a light-emitting element directly facing the opening is fixed;

[0018] - The light-emitting element includes a flexible body that can be assembled into a support by insertion;

[0019] - The resin can be injected or poured at pressures below 6 bar and temperatures below 80°C;

[0020] - The openings and optical elements are elongated;

[0021] - The opening does not contact any edge of the part;

[0022] - The support is made of materials selected individually or in combination from the following materials: polypropylene, transparent or translucent polypropylene, transparent or translucent silicone, or transparent or translucent polyurethane, polycarbonate mixed with an elastomer-type additive (such as TPU), or any transparent or translucent material.

[0023] - The flexible body of the light-emitting element is made of materials selected individually or in combination from the following materials: transparent or translucent silicone, or transparent or translucent polyurethane, polycarbonate mixed with elastomer-type additives (e.g., TPU), or transparent polypropylene.

[0024] - The resin is made from materials selected individually or in combination from the following: transparent or translucent polyurethane;

[0025] - The wall is made of a material selected individually or in combination from the following materials: polypropylene or polyurethane;

[0026] -The exterior is coated with a paint-type coating;

[0027] - The parts form the bumper of a motor vehicle.

[0028] The subject of this invention also lies in a method for manufacturing a vehicle body part according to the invention, wherein the following steps are performed;

[0029] i – Steps for manufacturing the wall;

[0030] ii – The step of attaching optical elements to the inner surface of the wall;

[0031] iv – The steps to create an opening;

[0032] v – The step of assembling the light-emitting element onto the support;

[0033] vi – The step of introducing resin into the opening.

[0034] Other optional features that may be used individually or in combination for the body parts:

[0035] - In step ii, the support or body is attached to the inner surface of the wall;

[0036] - Steps i through vi are performed sequentially;

[0037] - Step v is performed before or in parallel with step i;

[0038] -Step iii: Apply a coating, such as paint;

[0039] - Step iii is performed before step ii;

[0040] - Step iv is performed before step iii;

[0041] - Step iii is performed last, following step vi;

[0042] - During step ii, the optical element is attached by adhesion;

[0043] - During step vi, resin is introduced into the opening by injection or pouring. Attached Figure Description

[0044] A better understanding of the invention will be achieved by reading the following description, provided only as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 An example of a motor vehicle body part according to the present invention is shown in top view;

[0046] Figure 2 Shown from below Figure 1 Examples of vehicle body parts;

[0047] Figure 3 A motor vehicle is shown that includes multiple body parts according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 An example of a light-emitting element support is shown;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a motor vehicle body part according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 The steps of an example of a part manufacturing method according to the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Now refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a motor vehicle body part 10 according to the invention in a top view. Figure 2 The same part is shown in a bottom view. Body part 10 includes a wall 20 having an outer surface 30 and an inner surface 40. When part 10 is mounted on a vehicle, the outer surface 30 is visible from outside the vehicle, opposite to the inner surface facing inwards. The wall 20 may be made of, for example, polypropylene.

[0052] Wall 20 includes at least one opening 50. For example... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the opening 50 can be "in the middle of the skin," meaning that the opening 50 does not contact any edge of the part 10. The opening 50 can be elongated, forming a slit in the wall 20.

[0053] Part 10 also includes an optical element 60. The optical element 60 is an element that can transmit light from the inner surface 40 of the wall 20 to the outer surface 30, that is, transmit light to the outside of the vehicle when part 10 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0054] Figure 3 A motor vehicle 120 is shown, which includes a plurality of body parts 10 according to the invention, each part including an optical element 60. Figure 3As shown, body part 10 can be a roof, hood, door, or bumper, but it can also be, for example, a tailgate.

[0055] Optical element 60 is fixed on inner surface 40, facing opening 50. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the optical element 60 is preferably fixed on the inner surface 40 along the entire opening 50.

[0056] The light emitted by the optical element 60 can thus pass through the wall 20 at the opening 50.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the optical element 60 includes at least one light-emitting element 70 capable of transmitting light through the resin 100 from the inner surface 40 to the outer surface 30 of the wall 20. The light-emitting element 70 may be:

[0058] - For example, a light source group of LED type sources;

[0059] -optical fiber;

[0060] - A light guide that connects to a light source, such as an LED.

[0061] The optical element 60 also includes a support 90 fixed to the inner surface 40 facing (along) the opening 50. The support 90 carries the light-emitting element 70. The light-emitting element 70 is thus fixed to the support 90.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the light-emitting element 70 includes a body 80 that encloses the light source or light guide, or forms the light guide. The body 80 is flexible and can be assembled by being inserted into the support 90 through nesting, clamping, or chaussage. This allows for easy assembly of the vehicle body parts 10 and also accommodates the complex shapes that the opening 50 may have.

[0063] The main body 80 is made of a flexible and compressible material, thereby ensuring a seal between the support 90 and the light-emitting element 70. Moreover, the material of the main body 80 is at least partially transparent or translucent in the area facing the opening 50.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the body 80 includes at least one portion (partially facing the opening 50) made of a transparent or translucent material capable of transmitting light from the inner surface 40 to the outer surface 30 of the wall 20. Preferably, the plastic element is integrally made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0065] The main body 80 has the flexibility to follow the contour curve of the part 10. Large body parts (length greater than 800 mm) and approximately 3 mm thick typically include curved curvature. However, it is very difficult or even impossible to follow such curves with rigid optical elements, especially when the gap is elongated. Elongated elements are long and thin components. For large body parts, the optical element is a component with a length greater than 100 mm, a width less than 25 mm (preferably 5 to 10 mm), and a thickness of 1.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0066] Because the flexibility of the optical element 60 matches that of the part 10 that receives it, the slender body 80 can be assembled with the small cross-section on the part 10.

[0067] Therefore, even when part 10 is large and has an equally large, narrow slit, the flexibility of the main body 80 allows it to follow the curve (or curvature) of part 10. The main body 80 has the flexibility to follow the radius of curvature of the vehicle body parts.

[0068] Such flexibility can be achieved by mixing a polycarbonate body 80 with an elastomer-type additive (such as TPU). Such flexibility can also be achieved with a body 80 made of transparent polypropylene. Due to its flexibility, the body 80 is ideally suited for elongated slits. The body 80 can also be made of transparent or translucent silicone or transparent or translucent polyurethane (PU).

[0069] According to this embodiment, the support member 90 is also made of a material with the same flexibility properties or even the same material to maintain the advantages of the body 80. Preferably, the support member 90 is opaque.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the support member 90 may be in the form of a rigid groove, such as... Figure 2 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the light-emitting element 70 is clamped therein; or it is in the form of a hollow tube in which the light-emitting element 70 slides.

[0071] According to the top view shown, the support member 90 Figure 4 In one embodiment described herein, the support member includes:

[0072] - The support member's "inlet" technology area 92, which is used for inserting a polyurethane (PU) injection nozzle; and / or

[0073] - The "outlet" technical area 94 of the support defines the volume used as a riser to form an overflow container for the injected resin 100.

[0074] Optical element 60 is fixed to the inner surface 40 in a sealed manner by a support, for example by adhesion (see...). Figure 5 The adhesion device may also include a baffle that serves as a riser to form an overflow container for the injected resin 100.

[0075] To ensure the sealing of the optical element 60, the opening 50 is filled with a transparent or translucent resin 100. This ensures a seal between the outer surface 30 and the optical element 60, while allowing light to still pass through the wall 20 at the opening 50.

[0076] Preferably, the resin 100 contacts the optical element 60 to improve the sealing of the optical element 60 and also enhance the holding force of the optical element 60.

[0077] According to one embodiment, resin 100 can be injected at low pressure (below 6 bar) and low temperature (below 80°C), or cast at very low pressure (below 6 bar) and low temperature (below 80°C). For example, resin 100 can be a transparent or translucent polyurethane (PU) resin.

[0078] The first advantage of this type of resin is that it can adhere very well to polypropylene (PP) type materials, which are the preferred materials for manufacturing the walls 20 of the body parts 10.

[0079] The second advantage of this type of resin is that it is flexible once cured, which can meet the expectations regarding deformation and impact that the body parts 10 are subjected to.

[0080] Finally, optionally, the outer surface 30 may be covered with a coating 110, such as paint.

[0081] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle body part according to the present invention. The method includes... Figure 6 The following steps are shown in the figure.

[0082] i – Steps for manufacturing wall 20

[0083] The wall 20 can be made by any process known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the wall is made of plastic, by means of, for example, injection molding or compression molding of polypropylene.

[0084] ii – Step of fixing the optical element 60 to the wall 20

[0085] According to one embodiment, the optical element 60 (support 90 or direct flexible body 80) is attached to the inner surface 40 of the wall 20, for example, by adhesion. According to the example shown in the figures, if an opening 50 already exists in the wall 20, the optical element 60, in particular the support 90, is attached to the opposite side of the opening 50, or the support 90 is attached to the area intended to support the opening 50.

[0086] iii – Optional step of applying coating 110

[0087] During this step, a coating 110, such as paint, is applied to the outer surface 30, i.e. the surface intended to be visible from the outside of the vehicle.

[0088] This step can be followed by another optional step of baking the wall 20. Such a step can improve the adhesion of the coating to the outer surface 30.

[0089] iv – Steps to achieve opening 50

[0090] During this step, an opening 50 is created in wall 20. This operation can be achieved by laser cutting or machining of wall 20. Machining can be achieved, for example, by milling.

[0091] v – Steps for assembling the light-emitting element 70 onto the support 90

[0092] During this step, the light-emitting element 70 is assembled onto the support member 90. Different solutions are implemented depending on the form of the support member 90.

[0093] Therefore, it should be as follows Figure 2 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, when the support member 90 is in the form of a groove, the light-emitting element 70 is guided into the groove by embedding, clamping or filling.

[0094] When the support member 90 is in the form of a tube, the light-emitting element 70 is guided into the tube by sliding.

[0095] vi – Step of introducing resin 100 into opening 50

[0096] During this step, part 10 is placed into an injection mold to inject resin 100 therein. The injection is performed at low pressure and low temperature to avoid damaging the wall 20. Advantageously, a vacuum is created in the mold during injection to ensure that the support 90 adheres to the surface 40, thus avoiding the risk of the support 90 detaching.

[0097] During this step, resin 100 can also be poured into opening 50 under atmospheric pressure.

[0098] Preferably, the resin 100 is injected or cast to contact the optical element 60 to improve the sealing of the optical element 60 and also to improve its holding power.

[0099] One advantage of introducing resin via injection or casting is the elimination of orientation limitations associated with demolding and mounting of separately manufactured rigid transparent parts. This allows for adherence to complex trajectories along the opening 50. Furthermore, this method provides continuous adhesion within or near the opening, preventing the accumulation of dust or potentially icing water.

[0100] According to an optional step, before the introduction of resin 100, the surfaces of the areas of wall 20 intended to contact resin 100, particularly the surfaces within opening 50, are subjected to a surface treatment. This surface treatment may be flame treatment, plasma treatment, or a coating of the type of adhesive primer.

[0101] Steps i to vi can be implemented in different orders. According to a preferred embodiment, steps i to vi are implemented in the following order:

[0102] i – Steps for manufacturing wall 20

[0103] ii – Steps for securing the support 90 to the wall 20

[0104] iii – Optional step of applying coating 110

[0105] iv – Steps to achieve opening 50

[0106] v – Steps for assembling the light-emitting element 70 onto the support 90

[0107] vi – Step of introducing resin 100 into opening 50

[0108] According to an alternative to this embodiment, step iii is performed before step ii: a coating (paint) is applied before the support is fixed to the inner surface.

[0109] According to an alternative embodiment, step v is performed before or in parallel with step i: the light-emitting element 70 is assembled with the support 90 before the support is fixed to the inner surface 40.

[0110] According to an alternative to this embodiment, step iv is performed before step iii: opening 50 is achieved before applying the coating (paint).

[0111] According to an alternative to this implementation, step iii is performed last: a coating (paint) is applied at the end of the method.

[0112] One advantage of performing step iii before implementing the opening (step iv) and arranging the optical elements 60 (step v) is that it avoids performing delicate masking steps. This is an important advantage for managing diversity.

[0113] One advantage of implementing step iii by means of the two surfaces 30 and 40 of the calcined wall 20 is that it improves the adhesion of the support 90 to surface 40.

[0114] One advantage of performing step iv after step ii is that it allows for very precise placement of the wall 20 within the machining tool. In fact, to create the opening 50 in the wall 20, using a tool (milling, laser, etc.), the wall 20 must be placed very precisely to perfectly position the opening. Therefore, the support 90 is used to secure (calibrate) the wall 20. Simultaneously, the support 90 also allows for better holding in this precise position, thereby avoiding vibrations caused by the tool used to create the opening 50. Finally, this sequence of steps ensures better part strength "as a single unit."

[0115] This invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Particularly feasible is that the optical element 60 does not include the support member 90. In this case, the flexible body 80 of the optical element 60 is directly attached to the inner surface 40 of the wall 20.

[0116] List of reference numerals

[0117] 10: Motor vehicle body parts

[0118] 20: Wall of body part 10

[0119] 30: External surface of wall 20

[0120] 40: Internal surface of wall 20

[0121] 50: Lateral openings in wall 20, such as curved or straight slits.

[0122] 60: Optical element fixed to the inner surface 40 of body part 10

[0123] 70: Light-emitting element of optical element 60

[0124] 80: Flexible body of light-emitting element 70

[0125] 90: Support for optical element 60, into which light-emitting element 70 is inserted.

[0126] 92: Injection point of resin 100 at support 90

[0127] 94: Volume of the riser at 90° of the support member

[0128] 100: Transparent or translucent resin filling the opening 50 mm.

[0129] 110: For example, a coating of paint.

[0130] 120: Motor vehicles

Claims

1. A body part (10) of a motor vehicle (120) comprising a wall (20) having an outer face (30), an inner face (40) and at least one opening (50), characterized in that, The part (10) comprises an optical element (60) fixed to the internal face (40) facing the opening (50), the opening (50) being filled with a transparent or translucent resin (100) to ensure the sealing between the external face (30) and the optical element (60), the optical element (60) comprising at least one support (90) fixed to the internal face (40) facing or along the opening (50), on which is fixed a light-emitting element (70) directly facing the opening (50), the light-emitting element (70) comprising a flexible body (80) able to be assembled by insertion into the support (90), the support (90) comprising: an entry technical zone (92) of the support (90) provided to insert a polyurethane injection nozzle; and / or an exit technical zone (94) of the support (90) provided to define a volume to serve as a feeder to constitute an overflow reservoir of the injected resin (100).

2. The body part (10) according to claim 1, wherein The optical element (60) is fixed to the internal face (40) in a sealed manner.

3. The body part (10) according to claim 2, wherein The optical element (60) is fixed to the internal face (40) in a sealed manner by adhesion.

4. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The optical element (60) comprises at least one light-emitting element (70) able to transmit light from the internal face (40) of the wall (20) through the resin (100) to the external face (30).

5. The body part (10) according to claim 4, wherein The light-emitting element (70) is a group of light sources, an optical fiber or a light guide connected to a light source.

6. The body part (10) according to claim 5, wherein The light source is of the LED type.

7. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The resin (100) is able to be injected or cast at a pressure lower than 6 bars and at a temperature lower than 80°C.

8. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The opening (50) and the optical element (60) are elongated.

9. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The opening (50) does not come into contact with any edge of the part (10).

10. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The support (90) is made of a material chosen alone or in combination among: polypropylene, transparent or translucent silicone, or transparent or translucent polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate mixed with an additive of elastomer type, any transparent or translucent material.

11. The body part (10) according to claim 10, wherein The polypropylene is transparent or translucent polypropylene and / or the additive of elastomer type is TPU.

12. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The flexible body (80) of the light-emitting element is made of a material chosen alone or in combination among: transparent or translucent silicone, or transparent or translucent polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate mixed with an additive of elastomer type, transparent polypropylene.

13. The body part (10) according to claim 12, wherein The additive of elastomer type is TPU.

14. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The resin (100) is made of a material chosen alone or in combination among: transparent or translucent polyurethane (PU).

15. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The wall (20) is made of a material chosen alone or in combination among: polypropylene or polyurethane.

16. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The external face is covered with a coating (110) of the lacquer type.

17. The body part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, the part forming a bumper of a motor vehicle.

18. A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle body part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The following steps are implemented; i- a step of manufacturing a wall (20); ii- a step of manufacturing an optical element (60) and a light-emitting element (70) of the optical element (60); ii - a step of attaching an optical element (60) to the inner face (40) of the wall (20); iv - a step of implementing an opening (50); v - a step of assembling a light-emitting element (70) on a support (90); vi - a step of introducing a resin (100) in the opening (50).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, In the step ii, the support (90) or body (80) is attached to the inner face (40) of the wall (20).

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The steps i to vi are implemented sequentially.

21. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The step v is implemented before or in parallel with the step i.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein, A step iii is implemented: application of a coating (110).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The coating (110) is a paint.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, The step iii is implemented before the step ii.

25. The method of any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The step iv is implemented before the step iii.

26. The method of any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The step iii is implemented last after the step vi.

27. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, During the step ii, the optical element (60) is attached by adhesion.

28. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, During the step vi, the resin (100) is introduced in the opening (50) by injection or pouring.

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