Vehicle exterior decoration

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exterior decoration for a vehicle, which can maintain the connection state of a heater wire relative to a connector pin well even if the surrounding temperature changes repeatedly. A vehicle logo (15) as an exterior decoration for a vehicle has a decoration body (21), a heating plate (51) and a connector pin (32). The decoration body has a substrate (22) and a transparent resin layer (35), and the heating plate has a heating body (52) and an extension (53). The extension portion of the heater wire (57) is connected to the connector pin (32) inside the outer peripheral portion (22a) of the substrate through a joint (58). In the outer peripheral portion, a window portion (30) for connecting the heater wire (57) to the connector pin through the joint (58) is formed so that the connection portion is exposed outside the outer peripheral portion. A water stop portion (71) is provided in the window portion to limit the infiltration of water into the connection portion. The water stop portion is formed by filling the window portion with a potting material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle exterior ornaments for decorating vehicles, such as vehicle logos, decorative pieces and emblems. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle equipped with a millimeter wave radar device, millimeter waves are transmitted from the device toward the outside of the vehicle. The millimeter waves reflected by objects outside the vehicle, including the preceding vehicle and pedestrians, are received by the millimeter wave radar device. The transmitted and received millimeter waves are used to identify the above-mentioned objects, and to detect the distance and relative speed between the vehicle and the object.

[0003] Regarding the above-mentioned vehicle, a vehicle exterior decoration such as a vehicle logo is arranged in front of the millimeter wave radar device in the transmission direction of the millimeter wave. The vehicle exterior decoration has a decoration main body, which shields the millimeter wave radar device and has millimeter wave transparency. The decoration main body has: a substrate; and a transparent resin layer arranged on the surface side of the substrate.

[0004] Regarding the above-mentioned vehicle exterior decorations, there is a problem that if ice and snow adhere to the exterior decoration surface (surface), the millimeter wave will be attenuated, and the detection performance of the millimeter wave radar device will decrease. Therefore, it is considered to add a snow melting function to the vehicle exterior decoration. For example, a heating plate and a connector pin are provided for the main body of the decoration to add a snow melting function.

[0005] A heater wire that generates heat by being energized is arranged on the back side of the sheet substrate, thereby forming a heating sheet. The heating sheet has a heating main body portion that is arranged on the front side of the transparent resin layer, and an extension portion that extends from the peripheral edge of the heating main body portion and is arranged on the back side of the transparent resin layer.

[0006] The connector pin is a part to which an instrument for power supply is connected. Moreover, the extended portion of the heater wire is connected to the connector pin via a joint portion made of a conductive material inside the outer periphery of the base material, thereby electrically connecting the connector pin and the heater wire.

[0007] According to the above vehicle exterior decoration, the power supplied from the above instrument is supplied to the heater wire via the connector pin, thereby the heater wire generates heat. Therefore, even if ice and snow adhere to the appearance decoration surface (surface) of the vehicle exterior decoration, the ice and snow can be melted by the heat generated by the heater wire, and the attenuation of millimeter waves caused by the adhesion of ice and snow can be suppressed.

[0008] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a heater sheet is laminated on the front side of a decorative body portion.

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-5057 Summary of the invention

[0010] The vehicle exterior decoration has a window portion formed on the outer periphery of the substrate for joining the heater wire and the connector pin via the joint portion so that the joint portion is exposed outside the outer periphery. A water stop portion is provided on the window portion to limit water from entering the joint portion.

[0011] However, after the vehicle exterior decoration is assembled on the vehicle, if the ambient temperature changes repeatedly, the following problem may occur due to the structure of the water stop. For example, when the window is filled with a hard resin material to form the water stop, and the water stop is in contact with the joint and the heater wire, this problem may occur. That is, if the temperature changes repeatedly, the water stop expands and contracts more than the heater wire, and stress is concentrated on the boundary between the joint and the heater wire. As a result, the joint of the heater wire based on the joint with respect to the connector pin may be released, causing wire breakage.

[0012] This problem is not limited to millimeter wave radar devices, and may also cause this problem if it is assembled in a vehicle equipped with a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for detecting objects outside the vehicle and a heating sheet is arranged on the surface side of the decorative body. In addition, even if it is assembled in a vehicle without a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves and a heating sheet is arranged on the surface side of the decorative body, the same phenomenon may occur.

[0013] A vehicle exterior decoration for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a decorative main body portion, which decorates the vehicle; a heating sheet, which is formed by wiring a heater wire that generates heat when energized to the back of a sheet substrate; and a connector pin, which is combined with an instrument for supplying power, the decorative main body portion comprising: a substrate; and a transparent resin layer, which is arranged to be closer to the surface side than the substrate, the heating sheet comprising: a heating main body portion, which is arranged to be closer to the surface side than the transparent resin layer; and an extension portion, which extends from the peripheral portion of the heating main body portion and is arranged to be closer to the inside than the transparent resin layer, the extension portion of the heater wire is joined to the connector pin inside the outer periphery of the substrate through a joint portion made of a conductive material, wherein, in the outer periphery, a window portion for joining the heater wire to the connector pin through the joint portion is formed in a state where the joint portion is exposed outside the outer periphery, and a water stop portion for limiting water from penetrating into the joint portion is provided in the window portion, and the water stop portion is formed by filling the window portion with a potting material.

[0014] According to the above structure, the water stop portion that blocks the window portion is formed by filling the window portion with a potting material. The potting material is in close contact with the wall surface of the window portion. Therefore, the water stop portion can limit water from entering the junction of the heater wire and the connector pin from the outside of the window portion.

[0015] Here, when the vehicle exterior product assembled in the vehicle is placed in an environment where the temperature repeatedly changes, the water stopper and the heater wire expand and contract respectively according to the temperature change.

[0016] In this regard, according to the above structure, the water stop portion is formed by using a potting material. The potting material is made of a soft resin material. Therefore, regardless of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heater wire and the water stop portion, stress is not easily concentrated on the boundary between the joint portion and the heater wire. Therefore, the heater wire can be well maintained in the joint state relative to the connector pin to suppress wire breakage.

[0017] The vehicle exterior decoration for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a decoration main body, which decorates the vehicle; a heating sheet, which is formed by arranging a heater wire that generates heat when energized on the back of a sheet substrate; and a connector pin, which is combined with an instrument for supplying power, the decoration main body comprising: a substrate; and a transparent resin layer, which is arranged to be closer to the surface side than the substrate, the heating sheet comprising: a heating main body, which is arranged to be closer to the surface side than the transparent resin layer; and an extension, which extends from the peripheral edge of the heating main body and is arranged to be closer to the back side than the transparent resin layer, and the extension of the heater wire is arranged to be closer to the back side than the transparent resin layer. A portion of the substrate is joined to the connector pin inside the outer periphery of the substrate through a joint portion formed of a conductive material, wherein a window portion in the outer periphery for joining the heater wire to the connector pin through the joint portion is formed so that the joint portion is exposed to the outside of the outer periphery, and a water stop portion is provided in the window portion to limit water from penetrating into the joint portion, and the water stop portion is composed of a cover formed of a resin material, and the cover is arranged with a gap portion separated from the joint portion, and the window portion is sealed in a state of being tightly attached to the peripheral portion of the window portion that is closer to the surface than the gap portion.

[0018] According to the above structure, the water stop portion that blocks the window portion is composed of a cover formed of a resin material. The water stop portion blocks the window portion in a state of being closely attached to the peripheral portion of the window portion. Therefore, the water stop portion can limit the intrusion of water from the outside of the window portion to the joint portion of the heater wire relative to the connector pin.

[0019] Here, when the vehicle exterior product assembled in the vehicle is placed in an environment where the temperature repeatedly changes, the water stopper and the heater wire expand and contract respectively according to the temperature change.

[0020] In this regard, according to the above structure, the water stop portion is composed of a resin cover, and the cover is arranged with respect to the joint portion between the heater wire and the connector pin based on the joint portion, separated by a gap portion. The cover does not directly contact the above-mentioned joint portion and the connector pin. Therefore, regardless of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heater wire and the water stop portion, stress is not easily concentrated on the boundary portion between the joint portion and the heater wire. Therefore, the joint state of the heater wire relative to the connector pin can be well maintained to suppress wire breakage.

[0021] Furthermore, the water stopper formed by the cover is separated from the above-mentioned joint part. Therefore, the joint part will not be crushed by the water stopper, and there is no worry that the heater wire will be disconnected from the connector pin due to the collapse and the wire will be broken.

[0022] In the above-mentioned vehicle exterior accessory, it is preferable that the water stop portion is welded to the peripheral edge portion of the window portion.

[0023] According to the above structure, the water stopper is welded to the peripheral edge of the window, so that the water stopper and the peripheral edge of the window can be joined in a molten state. Therefore, the welded portion can restrict water from entering the window from the outside.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the above vehicle exterior product, even if the ambient temperature changes repeatedly, the junction state of the heater wire with respect to the connector pin can be maintained in a good state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a first embodiment in which the vehicle exterior accessory is embodied as a vehicle logo, and is a front view of the vehicle logo.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial rear view showing a part of the heater sheet according to the first embodiment together with the decorative main body.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of the vehicle emblem according to the first embodiment together with a part of the front grille and a part of the millimeter wave radar device.

[0029] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the 4-4 wire socket portion.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a junction portion of a heater wire by a junction portion together with its surrounding portion in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a vehicle logo according to a second embodiment, and is Figure 4 The corresponding cross-sectional view of the socket portion.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a junction portion of a heater wire by a junction portion together with its surrounding portion in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] (First embodiment)

[0034] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 A first embodiment in which a vehicle exterior accessory is embodied as a vehicle emblem attached to the front portion of a vehicle will be described.

[0035] In addition, the following description is made with the vehicle's forward direction being the front and the vehicle's backward direction being the rear. In addition, the up-down direction indicates the vehicle's up-down direction, and the left-right direction is the vehicle's width direction and is made to coincide with the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward. In addition, in each figure, in order to make each part of the vehicle logo a recognizable size, the scale of each part is appropriately changed and illustrated.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, a millimeter wave radar device 13 for monitoring the front is arranged at the center of the front part of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction and behind the front grille 11. The millimeter wave radar device 13 has the function of transmitting millimeter waves of electromagnetic waves toward the front outside the vehicle and receiving millimeter waves reflected by contacting objects outside the vehicle. Millimeter waves refer to radio waves with a wavelength of 1 mm to 10 mm and a frequency of 30 GHz to 300 GHz.

[0037] The thickness of the front grille 11 is not constant, similar to a normal front grille. In addition, the front grille 11 may have a metal plating layer formed on the surface of the resin substrate. Therefore, the front grille 11 may interfere with the transmitted or reflected millimeter waves. Therefore, in the front grille 11, the window 12 is opened in front of the millimeter wave radar device 13 in the transmission direction of the millimeter wave. Figure 3 , the lower part of the window portion 12 is shown.

[0038] A vehicle logo 15 is disposed on the window portion 12. The vehicle logo 15 is disposed on the vehicle front side ( Figure 3 The surface of the exterior decoration surface 15a is the right side of the exterior decoration surface 15a. The outer shape of the exterior decoration surface 15a is a horizontally long elliptical shape. Here, when describing the vehicle logo 15, the exterior decoration surface 15a side is called the front side, and the opposite side of the exterior decoration surface 15a ( Figure 3 The middle is the left side) is called the inner side.

[0039] The logo 15 is arranged in an upright state. In this arrangement state, the front side of the logo 15 corresponds to the front side of the vehicle 10 , and the back side of the logo 15 corresponds to the rear side of the vehicle 10 .

[0040] Therefore, when describing the single-body vehicle emblem 15 , the terms “front” and “back” are used to identify the direction corresponding to the vehicle front-rear direction. The same applies to describing the vehicle emblem 15 mounted on the vehicle 10 .

[0041] The vehicle emblem 15 includes a decorative main body 21 and a heater sheet 51. Next, each member constituting the vehicle emblem 15 will be described.

[0042] <Decorative body 21>

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the decorative main body 21 is arranged in front of the transmission direction of the millimeter wave from the millimeter wave radar device 13 in the vehicle 10, and is a part for decorating the vehicle 10. The main part of the decorative main body 21 is in a horizontally long, nearly elliptical plate shape corresponding to the appearance decorative surface 15a of the vehicle logo 15, and has millimeter wave transmittance.

[0044] The decorative body 21 includes a substrate 22, a transparent resin layer 35, and a decorative layer 41. The substrate 22 is a member constituting the back side portion of the decorative body 21. The substrate 22 includes a substrate body 23 constituting the skeleton portion of the substrate 22, and a frame 31 provided on the outer periphery of the substrate body 23.

[0045] The substrate body 23 is formed of AES (acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer) resin as a colored material. The surface side of the substrate body 23 is formed with: a generally flat normal portion 24 that crosses the front and back directions in a state that is nearly orthogonal; and a convex portion 25 that protrudes further toward the surface side than the normal portion 24. Figure 1 The convex portion 25 corresponds to the background area 16 of the logo 15, and the convex portion 25 corresponds to the pattern area 17 of the logo 15. Here, the pattern area 17 is composed of a character portion 18 such as "A" and a ring portion 19 around it.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular recess 26 that is open on the front surface and recessed toward the back is formed on the outer periphery of the base body 23. The annular recess 26 has a shape corresponding to the peripheral edge of the base body 23, that is, a substantially elliptical ring shape.

[0047] The base material 22 has a socket portion 27 protruding inward at its lower part. The socket portion 27 is a portion for plugging and unplugging the plug portion B of the device A for power supply. A recessed portion 28 extending inward from the annular recessed portion 26 is formed on the front side of the socket portion 27. In addition, a recessed portion 29 is formed on the socket portion 27, which is open on the back side and recessed toward the front side.

[0048] In addition, the base body portion 23 may be formed of ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer) resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin, a polymer alloy of PC resin and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) resin, etc. instead of the above-mentioned AES resin.

[0049] The frame portion 31 is provided along the outer periphery of the substrate main body portion 23 and has a substantially elliptical ring shape (see Figure 1 ). Most of the frame 31 is formed to be filled in the annular recess 26. In addition, a part of the lower part of the frame 31 is formed to be filled in the recess 28 of the socket 27. The frame 31 is formed of a mixed material of PC resin and carbon black, for example, and is black.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , two connector pins 32 are arranged in the socket portion 27, each extending in the front-back direction in a state separated from each other in the left-right direction. The front side portion 32a of each connector pin 32 is in the shape of a flat plate, and is embedded in the base body portion 23 and the frame portion 31. In addition, the back side portion 32b of the connector pin 32 is in the shape of a rod. A portion of the portion 32b is arranged in the above-mentioned recessed portion 29.

[0051] A window portion 30 opening on the lower surface of the socket portion 27 is formed at the outer peripheral portion 22a of the base 22 and below the socket portion 27. The window portion 30 is provided for joining heater wires 56 and 57 to be described later to the connector pins 32.

[0052] Mounting portions (not shown) for mounting the logo 15 on the front grille 11 or the vehicle body are provided at multiple locations on the periphery of the back side of the substrate 22 (substrate body 23). The mounting portions are composed of clamps, screws, engaging claws, and the like.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the transparent resin layer 35 is a component constituting the front side portion of the main part of the decorative main body 21. The transparent resin layer 35 is transparently formed of PC resin. The transparency here includes colored transparency (colored transparency) in addition to colorless transparency. The same applies to the sheet substrate 55 described later. The back side portion of the transparent resin layer 35 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the front side portion of the above-mentioned substrate main body 23. That is, in the back side portion of the transparent resin layer 35 and the front side portion of the normal portion 24 of the substrate main body 23, a generally flat normal portion 36 is formed that crosses the front and back directions in a state close to orthogonal. In the back side portion of the transparent resin layer 35 and the front side portion of the convex portion 25 of the substrate main body 23, a concave portion 37 that is more concave toward the front side than the normal portion 36 is formed. The outer peripheral portion of the transparent resin layer 35 is located on the front side of the frame 31. In addition, the transparent resin layer 35 can be formed of a transparent resin such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resin instead of the above-mentioned PC resin.

[0054] The decorative layer 41 is formed between the base body 23 and the transparent resin layer 35 and is surrounded by the frame 31, and has millimeter wave transmittance. The decorative layer 41 is composed of a combination of a colored decorative layer having a dark color such as black or blue and a flashing decorative layer made of a metal material such as indium (In).

[0055] In the decorative main body portion 21 , the frame portion 31 is welded to the base main body portion 23 and the transparent resin layer 35 to connect the base main body portion 23 and the transparent resin layer 35 .

[0056] In the decorative main body portion 21 , a region through which millimeter waves are transmitted is formed to have a constant thickness.

[0057] <Heating sheet 51>

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heating sheet 51 includes a sheet substrate 55 and two heater wires 56 and 57. The sheet substrate 55 is formed of a transparent resin material such as PC resin. Each heater wire 56 and 57 is made of a metal material that generates heat when electricity is passed through it, and is arranged on the back side of the sheet substrate 55.

[0059] The heating sheet 51 includes: a heating body portion 52; and an extension portion 53, which extends from the peripheral portion of the heating body portion 52, that is, the lower edge portion in the first embodiment. The direction in which the extension portion 53 extends from the heating body portion 52 is referred to as the extension direction of the extension portion 53. In addition, the direction along the surface of the extension portion 53 that is orthogonal to the above-mentioned extension direction is referred to as the width direction of the extension portion 53. The heating body portion 52 is formed into a horizontally long elliptical shape corresponding to the exterior decorative surface 15a of the vehicle logo 15. The heating body portion 52 is laminated on the surface side of the transparent resin layer 35. In the heating body portion 52, each heater wire 56, 57 is wired with a different wiring pattern (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0060] The extension portion 53 is bent along the lower surface of the transparent resin layer 35 and the lower surface of the frame portion 31 so as to go around the lower end of the outer peripheral portion of the decorative body portion 21 and further inside the transparent resin layer 35 .

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, openings 54 are formed at both sides of the protruding portion 53 in the width direction. The two openings 54 are separated from each other in the width direction.

[0062] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the two heater wires 56 and 57 are wired not only in the above-mentioned heat-generating main body 52, but also in the extension portion 53. That is, the heater wire 56 has terminal portions 56a and 56b at both ends. The heater wire 57 has terminal portions 57a and 57b at both ends. The terminal portions 56a and 57a are concentratedly wired on the back of the extension portion 53 and are one side portion in the above-mentioned width direction. A portion of each of the terminal portions 56a and 57a intersects with the opening portion 54 on one side along the above-mentioned extension direction. Similarly, the terminal portions 56b and 57b are concentratedly wired on the back of the extension portion 53 and are the other side portion in the above-mentioned width direction. A portion of each of the terminal portions 56b and 57b intersects with the other opening portion 54 along the above-mentioned extension direction.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the extension portion 53 that has passed through the lower end of the outer peripheral portion of the decorative body portion 21 and has been wound around the inner side is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the frame portion 31 and the inner wall surface of the recessed portion 28 .

[0064] A portion of the extension 53 and the surrounding portion of the opening 54 overlaps a portion of the portion 32a on the front side of each connector pin 32 from the front side (peripheral side). Brazing is performed in one opening 54 so that the terminal portions 56a and 57a are joined to the portion 32a on the front side. Similarly, brazing is performed in the other opening 54 so that the terminal portions 56b and 57b are joined to the portion 32a on the front side. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, reference numeral 58 denotes a joint made of solder alloy and formed by brazing. The joint 58 electrically connects the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b to the surface portion 32a of the connector pin 32 inside the outer peripheral portion 22a of the substrate 22.

[0065] In addition, the above-mentioned joining may be performed by bonding with a conductive adhesive, welding, or the like, other than the above-mentioned soldering.

[0066] The portion where the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b are joined to the connector pins 32 by the joint 58 is called a joint portion. A water stop portion 71 is provided in the window portion 30 to limit the infiltration of water into the above-mentioned joint portion. In the first embodiment, the water stop portion 71 is formed by filling the window portion 30 with a resin material that is softer than the substrate 22. As the resin material, a potting material is used. Here, the potting material is generally a filling material that buries the entire circuit for the purpose of protecting the circuit from impact, vibration, moisture, or corrosion, and is formed into a rubber-like, gel-like, etc. As a potting material, for example, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, etc. can be used. The water stop portion 71 is in direct contact with the above-mentioned joint portion.

[0067] Moreover, if Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle emblem 15 constructed as described above is arranged in a standing state inside the window portion 12 and is attached to the front grille 11 or the vehicle body at the attachment portion.

[0068] Then, the heater wires 56 , 57 and the device A are electrically connected by inserting the plug portion B of the device A into the recess 29 of the socket portion 27 from the back side of the vehicle emblem 15 .

[0069] Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described, and the effects resulting from the operation will also be described.

[0070] like Figure 3 to Figure 5As shown, regarding the vehicle logo 15 of the first embodiment, a window portion 30 is formed on the outer peripheral portion 22a of the substrate 22, and water may penetrate from here to the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the joints between the terminal portions 57a, 57b and the connector pins 32. However, the window portion 30 is blocked by a water stop portion 71. The water stop portion 71 is formed by filling the window portion 30 with a potting material made of a soft resin material, and the potting material is in close contact with the wall surface of the window portion 30. A gapless or almost gapless state is formed between the water stop portion 71 and the wall surface. Therefore, the water stop portion 71 can be used to limit the phenomenon of water intruding from the outside of the window portion 30 to the above-mentioned joint portion.

[0071] Here, when the vehicle logo 15 assembled in the vehicle 10 is in an environment where the surrounding temperature changes repeatedly, the water stop portion 71 and the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b expand and contract respectively according to the temperature changes. Assuming that the water stop portion 71 is formed of AES resin, PC resin, etc., which are hard resin materials, like the base material 22, when the water stop portion 71 expands and contracts more than the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b due to the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heater wires 56, 57 and the water stop portion 71, the following phenomenon occurs. That is, stress is concentrated on the boundary portion C between the joint portion 58 and the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b. As a result, the joint of the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b with respect to the connector pin 32 based on the joint portion 58 may be released, causing wire breakage.

[0072] In this regard, in the first embodiment, a potting material that is a resin material softer than the base body portion 23 and the frame portion 31 is used as the material of the water stop portion 71. And, the potting material is filled in the window portion 30 to form the water stop portion 71. Therefore, regardless of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heater wires 56, 57 and the water stop portion 71, it is not easy to cause a phenomenon in which stress is concentrated on the above-mentioned boundary portion C. Therefore, the engagement state of the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b with respect to the connector pins 32 can be well maintained to suppress wire breakage.

[0073] However, when ice and snow are attached to the exterior decorative surface 15a of the vehicle logo 15, Figure 3 As shown, power is supplied to the heater wires 56 and 57 via the plug portion B of the instrument A and the connector pins 32. The heater wires 56 and 57 are heated by the power supply. A part of the heat generated by the heater wires 56 and 57 is conducted to the exterior decorative surface 15a of the vehicle logo 15. The heat melts the ice and snow attached to the exterior decorative surface 15a, thereby suppressing the attenuation of the millimeter wave caused by the ice and snow.

[0074] In particular, in the first embodiment, the heating sheet 51 is disposed at the most surface side of the emblem 15. Therefore, the heat generated by the heater wires 56 and 57 is easily transferred to the exterior decorative surface 15a (surface) of the emblem 15, and ice and snow can be melted efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, if a millimeter wave is transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 13, the millimeter wave sequentially passes through the base body portion 23, the decorative layer 41 and the transparent resin layer 35 of the decorative body portion 21 of the vehicle logo 15, and the heating body portion 52 of the heating sheet 51. The transmitted millimeter wave contacts and reflects objects in front of the vehicle including the preceding vehicle, pedestrians, etc., and then sequentially passes through the heating body portion 52 of the heating sheet 51, the transparent resin layer 35, the decorative layer 41 and the base body portion 23 of the decorative body portion 21. The millimeter wave transmitted from the decorative body portion 21 is received by the millimeter wave radar device 13. In the millimeter wave radar device 13, object recognition, and detection of the distance and relative speed between the vehicle 10 and the object, etc., are performed based on the transmitted and received millimeter waves.

[0076] In addition, if visible light is irradiated to the vehicle logo 15 from the front side of the vehicle 10, the visible light is transmitted through the heat-generating main body 52 of the heating sheet 51 and the transparent resin layer 35 of the decorative main body 21 and is reflected by the decorative layer 41. If the vehicle logo 15 is observed from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative layer 41 is seen to be located on the inner side (inner side) of the above components through the heat-generating main body 52 and the transparent resin layer 35. In this way, the vehicle logo 15 is decorated by the decorative layer 41 to improve the appearance of the vehicle logo 15 and its surrounding parts.

[0077] In addition, the above-mentioned reflection of the visible light on the decorative layer 41 is performed at a position further in front of the millimeter-wave radar device 13. The decorative layer 41 has the function of covering and shielding the millimeter-wave radar device 13. Therefore, the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is not easily seen from the front side of the vehicle logo 15. Therefore, compared with the case where the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is seen through the vehicle logo 15, the appearance is improved.

[0078] According to the first embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, the following effects can be obtained.

[0079] In the first embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , one connector pin 32 is joined to the terminal portions 56a and 57a inside the outer peripheral portion 22a of the substrate 22. In addition, the other connector pin 32 is joined to the terminal portions 56b and 57b inside the outer peripheral portion 22a. The joined portion is covered by the outer peripheral portion 22a. Therefore, unlike the case where the joining is performed on the front side of the transparent resin layer 35, the appearance is not deteriorated by the joined portion.

[0080] (Second embodiment)

[0081] Below, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A second embodiment in which the vehicle exterior decorative article is embodied as a vehicle logo will be described.

[0082] The structure of the water stopper 71 of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment. The water stopper 71 is formed of a cover made of a hard resin material. In the second embodiment, the water stopper 71 is formed of AES resin similarly to the base body 23 .

[0083] A water stopper 71 is disposed across the gap G1 with respect to the joint portion between the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b and the connector pin 32 based on the joint portion 58. The water stopper 71 is a peripheral portion 72 of the window portion 30 located closer to the surface side (outer peripheral side) than the above-mentioned joint portion, and is welded to the portion surrounding the joint portion. For example, the welding is performed by a welding method such as ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and hot plate welding.

[0084] The configuration other than the above configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0085] Therefore, the same action and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained through the second embodiment. That is, in the vehicle logo 15 of the second embodiment, the window portion 30 is blocked by the water stop portion 71 formed by a hard resin material. The water stop portion 71 is welded relative to the peripheral portion 72 of the window portion 30, so that the water stop portion 71 and the peripheral portion 72 are joined in a molten state. The water stop portion 71 blocks the window portion 30 in a state of being tightly attached to the peripheral portion 72. Therefore, the water stop portion 71 can be used to limit the intrusion of water from the outside of the window portion 30 to the above-mentioned joint portion.

[0086] In addition, in the second embodiment, the water stop portion 71 is composed of a resin cover, and the water stop portion 71 is arranged relative to the above-mentioned joint portion, separated by the gap portion G1. Unlike the first embodiment, the water stop portion 71 does not directly contact the above-mentioned joint portion. Therefore, regardless of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heater wires 56, 57 and the water stop portion 71, it is not easy to concentrate stress on the boundary portion C between the joint portion 58 and the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b. Therefore, the joint state of the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b relative to the connector pin 32 can be well maintained to suppress wire breakage.

[0087] Furthermore, the water stopper 71 is separated from the above-mentioned joint portion. Therefore, the joint portion is not crushed by the water stopper 71. It is possible to suppress the phenomenon of disconnection caused by the terminal portions 56a, 56b and the terminal portions 57a, 57b of the joint portion 58 being released from the connector pin 32 due to the crushing.

[0088] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be implemented as modified examples changed as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0089] The number of heater wires 56 and 57 of the heater sheet 51 may be changed to one or a plurality of numbers greater than or equal to three.

[0090] The extension portion 53 may extend from a portion of the peripheral edge portion of the heat generating main body portion 52 other than the lower edge portion, for example, the upper edge portion, the side edge portion, or the like.

[0091] The outer shape of the exterior decorative surface 15 a of the vehicle logo 15 may be changed to a shape other than the horizontally long oval shape.

[0092] The heater wires 56 and 57 of the heat generating main body 52 of the heater sheet 51 may be arranged in a wiring pattern different from that in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0093] If the vehicle exterior decoration is assembled in a vehicle equipped with a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle and a heater sheet is arranged on the surface side of the decorative body, the above vehicle exterior decoration can be applied. In this case, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the device include millimeter waves, infrared rays, etc.

[0094] The device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for detecting objects outside the vehicle may be a device for monitoring the rear, the front side, or the rear side in addition to monitoring the front. In this case, the vehicle exterior decoration is arranged in front of the device in the direction of transmitting the electromagnetic waves.

[0095] The above-mentioned vehicle exterior accessory can be assembled in a vehicle that is not equipped with a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle.

[0096] In addition to vehicle emblems, the above-mentioned vehicle exterior accessories can also be applied to vehicle exterior accessories such as decorative parts and emblems that have the function of decorating the vehicle.

[0097] Description of the label

[0098] 10…Vehicles

[0099] 15…Vehicle logo (exterior decorations for vehicles)

[0100] 21…Decoration of the main body

[0101] 22…Base material

[0102] 22a…Periphery

[0103] 30…Window

[0104] 32…Connector pins

[0105] 35…Transparent resin layer

[0106] 51…Heating plate

[0107] 52…heating body

[0108] 53…Extension

[0109] 55…Sheet substrate

[0110] 56, 57…heater line

[0111] 58…Joint

[0112] 71…Water Stop Department

[0113] 72…Periphery

[0114] A…Instrument

[0115] G1…Gap

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior decoration, comprising: a decoration body portion for decorating a vehicle; a heating sheet formed by wiring a heater wire that generates heat when energized to the back of a sheet substrate; and a connector pin that is connected to an instrument for supplying power. The decorative main body has: a substrate; and a transparent resin layer, which is arranged on the surface side of the substrate. The heating sheet comprises: a heating main body portion disposed on the front side of the transparent resin layer; and an extension portion extending from the peripheral edge of the heating main body portion and disposed on the back side of the transparent resin layer. The portion of the extension of the heater wire is joined to the connector pin inside the outer periphery of the base material via a joining portion made of a conductive material, wherein A window portion for joining the heater wire and the connector pin through the joining portion is formed in the outer peripheral portion so that the joining portion is exposed to the outside of the outer peripheral portion. The window portion is provided with a water stop portion for limiting water from entering the joint portion. The water stopper is formed by filling the window with a potting material.

2. A vehicle exterior decoration, comprising: a decoration body portion for decorating a vehicle; a heating sheet formed by wiring a heater wire that generates heat when energized to the back of a sheet substrate; and a connector pin that is connected to an instrument for supplying power. The decorative main body has: a substrate; and a transparent resin layer, which is arranged on the surface side of the substrate. The heating sheet comprises: a heating main body portion disposed on the front side of the transparent resin layer; and an extension portion extending from the peripheral edge of the heating main body portion and disposed on the back side of the transparent resin layer. The portion of the extension of the heater wire is joined to the connector pin inside the outer periphery of the base material via a joining portion made of a conductive material, wherein A window portion for joining the heater wire and the connector pin through the joining portion is formed in the outer peripheral portion so that the joining portion is exposed to the outside of the outer peripheral portion. The window portion is provided with a water stop portion for limiting water from entering the joint portion. The water stop portion is composed of a cover formed of a resin material. The cover is disposed with respect to the joint portion via a gap, and closes the window portion in a state of being in close contact with a peripheral edge portion of the window portion that is closer to the front side than the gap.

3. The vehicle exterior decoration according to claim 2, wherein: The water stop portion is welded to the peripheral edge portion of the window portion.

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