Vehicle exterior parts

Abstract

The vehicle exterior part is configured to be arranged in front of the millimeter wave radar device in the transmission direction of the millimeter wave. The vehicle exterior part includes a decorative main body, a light source that emits light, and a light diffusion and reflection component. The light diffusion and reflection component has millimeter wave transmittance and diffuses and reflects the incident light. The decorative main body includes a base material and a decorative layer. The base material diffuses and transmits the incident light and has millimeter wave transmittance. The decorative layer is formed at a position further forward than the base material in the transmission direction and has millimeter wave transmittance. The light source, the decorative main body, and the light diffusion and reflection component are arranged in a position so that the light emitted by the light source is diffused and reflected by the light diffusion and reflection component and directed toward the base material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle exterior product configured to be mounted on an exterior portion of a vehicle to decorate the exterior portion. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle equipped with a millimeter-wave radar device, millimeter waves are transmitted from the device toward the exterior of the vehicle. The millimeter-wave radar device receives the millimeter waves that are reflected by objects outside the vehicle, such as preceding vehicles and pedestrians. The millimeter-wave radar device then uses the transmitted and received millimeter waves to identify these objects and measure the distance and relative speed between the vehicle and the object.

[0003] In the above-mentioned vehicle, vehicle exterior parts such as a front grille and a vehicle emblem are arranged in front of the millimeter-wave radar device in the transmission direction of the millimeter waves.

[0004] Currently, the above-mentioned vehicle exterior parts are required to have the function of concealing the millimeter wave radar device and the function of transmitting the millimeter waves. However, in recent years, the function of emitting light is also required.

[0005] Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2019-217863 describes the following vehicle exterior product, which has a decorative main body that decorates the exterior of the vehicle, and a light source that emits light. The decorative main body has a transparent component that has millimeter wave transmittance and light transmittance. The transparent component has a light-emitting portion that diffusely reflects (diffusely reflects) light. The light source is arranged on the outside of the peripheral portion of the decorative main body. Moreover, if the light source emits light, the light passes through the transparent component. The above-mentioned light diffusely reflects when passing through the light-emitting portion. Therefore, if the vehicle exterior product is observed from the outside of the vehicle, the decorative main body (transparent component) will be seen to emit light. Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, although the decorative main body of the conventional vehicle exterior article can be illuminated, the illumination is not bright enough, and there is room for improvement in terms of bright illumination.

[0007] A vehicle exterior product for solving the above-mentioned problem is configured to be applied to a vehicle equipped with a millimeter-wave radar device that transmits millimeter waves, and is configured to be arranged in front of the millimeter-wave radar device in the transmission direction of the millimeter waves, wherein the vehicle exterior product has: a decorative main body, which is configured to decorate the exterior part of the vehicle; a light source that emits light; and a light diffusion and reflection component, which has millimeter-wave transmittance and diffuses and reflects the irradiated light, the decorative main body having: a base material, which diffuses and transmits the irradiated light and has the millimeter-wave transmittance; and a decorative layer, which is formed to be closer to the front side than the base material in the transmission direction and has the millimeter-wave transmittance, the light source, the decorative main body and the light diffusion and reflection component are arranged so that the light emitted by the light source is diffused and reflected by the light diffusion and reflection component and emitted toward the base material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a front view of the vehicle exterior product according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 2-2 line cross-section diagram.

[0010] Figure 3 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 A partial side sectional view of part A in FIG.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a partial side sectional view of the decorative main body of the third embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a chromaticity diagram for explaining the effect of adjusting the light transmitted through the decorative layer to white in the fourth embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of part B in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The term "annular" as used herein may refer to any structure formed in an annular shape, that is, a continuous shape with no end. The shape of "annular" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with sharp corners or rounded corners.

[0015] (First embodiment)

[0016] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment of the vehicle exterior product will be described.

[0017] In the following description, the vehicle's forward direction is defined as the front, and its backward direction is defined as the rear. Furthermore, the vertical direction represents the vehicle's vertical direction, and the left-right direction represents the vehicle's width direction, which corresponds to the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward. In the figures, the scale of each component of the vehicle exterior product is appropriately altered to ensure that it is recognizable.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, a millimeter-wave radar device 12 for forward monitoring is mounted in the left-right center of the front portion of vehicle 10, behind front grille 11. Millimeter-wave radar device 12 has a sensor function that transmits millimeter waves, a type of electromagnetic wave, toward a predetermined angular range in front of vehicle 10 and receives millimeter waves reflected by objects outside the vehicle, including preceding vehicles and pedestrians. Millimeter waves are radio waves with a wavelength of 1 to 10 mm and a frequency of 30 to 300 GHz.

[0019] The millimeter wave radar device 12 has the following characteristics: it has a strong ability to adapt to adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and snow, and can detect at a longer distance than other systems.

[0020] Furthermore, as described above, the millimeter-wave radar device 12 transmits millimeter waves toward the front of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the millimeter-wave radar device 12 transmits millimeter waves in a direction from the rear toward the front of the vehicle 10. The front of the millimeter-wave transmission direction coincides with the front of the vehicle 10, and the rear of the millimeter-wave transmission direction coincides with the rear of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the following description, the front of the millimeter-wave transmission direction is simply referred to as "front," "front," etc., and the rear of the millimeter-wave transmission direction is simply referred to as "rear," "rear," etc.

[0021] Like a typical front grille, the thickness (fore-and-aft dimension) of the front grille 11 is not constant. Furthermore, the front grille may also have a metal coating formed on the surface of the resin base. In this case, the front grille may interfere with transmitted or reflected millimeter waves. Therefore, a window 13 is provided in the portion of the front grille 11 that forms the path of the millimeter waves from the millimeter-wave radar device 12, specifically, in front of the millimeter-wave radar device 12 in the direction of transmission of the millimeter waves from the front grille 11. The vehicle exterior component 20 is disposed in this window 13.

[0022] The vehicle exterior article 20 includes a decorative main body portion 31, a light diffusing and reflecting member 71, and a light source 81. Next, each component constituting the vehicle exterior article 20 will be described.

[0023] <Decorative main body 31>

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the decorative main body 31 is used to decorate the exterior of the vehicle 10 and has a generally horizontally long, substantially elliptical plate shape. The decorative main body 31 is gently curved so as to bulge forward.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the decorative main body 31 includes a rear substrate 32, a light shielding portion, a front substrate 51, a decorative layer 61, a protective layer 63 and a hard coating layer 65. Figure 2 In the figure, the decoration layer 61, the protection layer 63 and the hard coating layer 65 are omitted.

[0026] <Back substrate 32>

[0027] The rear base 32 corresponds to the “base” in the claims and constitutes the rear half of the decorative main body 31 . The rear base 32 has millimeter wave transmittance, which is a property of transmitting millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12 .

[0028] The rear substrate 32 is formed from a resin material in which particles of a white light-diffusing material are dispersed. Copolymerized polycarbonate is used as the resin material. Alternatively, a metal oxide such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide is used as the light-diffusing material. The rear substrate 32 diffuses and transmits light incident thereon as white light.

[0029] In addition, as the resin material, AS (acrylonitrile styrene) resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resin, etc. In addition, as the light diffusion material, barium sulfate, silicon dioxide, etc. can be used.

[0030] Among them, AS resin has low water absorption. Therefore, if AS resin is used as the resin material, even when the vehicle exterior product 20 is used in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, changes in electrical properties such as the dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent due to water absorption are minimal, and millimeter-wave transmittance is less likely to decrease. Furthermore, if AS resin is used to form the vehicle exterior product 20, it is less likely to cause a decrease in heat resistance due to water absorption, thereby compromising product strength. Therefore, for the above reasons, AS resin is suitable as the resin material for the rear substrate 32. In this case, barium sulfate, which exhibits effective optical properties compared to AS resin, is suitable as the light diffuser.

[0031] The rear base 32 is formed with a normal portion 33 and a belt-shaped protrusion 34 that protrudes forward from the normal portion 33. Figure 1 The convex portion 34 corresponds to the background area 21 of the vehicle exterior article 20. The convex portion 34 corresponds to the pattern area 22 of the vehicle exterior article 20. Here, the pattern area 22 is composed of the character portion 23 and the annular portion 24 surrounding it.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear surface 36 of the rear base 32 is mostly composed of a single smooth surface that is gently curved so as to be concave toward the front.

[0033] <Lightshielding part>

[0034] The light shielding portion includes a peripheral light shielding portion 41 and an intermediate light shielding portion 43. The peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 are formed, for example, from a mixture of PC resin and carbon black. The peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 are black in color, absorbing light and blocking its transmission. The peripheral light shielding portion 41 is provided along the outer peripheral edge portion 35 of the rear substrate 32 and has an elliptical ring shape, closely adhering to the outer peripheral edge portion 35. The intermediate light shielding portion 43 is the portion surrounded by the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and is located in front of the normal portion 33 of the rear substrate 32.

[0035] <Front substrate 51>

[0036] The front substrate 51 is a transparent component that forms the front half of the decorative main body 31. It is formed from PC resin. It is located forward of the rear substrate 32 and the light shielding sections (peripheral light shielding section 41 and central light shielding section 43). Transparency here includes not only colorless transparency but also colored transparency (colored transparency). Furthermore, the front substrate 51 can be formed from a transparent resin such as PMMA resin instead of PC resin.

[0037] The rear portion of the front substrate 51 is formed to correspond to the shape of the front portions of both the rear substrate 32 and the light shielding portion. Specifically, a forward-depressed recess 52 is formed on the rear portion of the front substrate 51, in front of the convex portion 34 of the rear substrate 32. Furthermore, a forward-depressed annular recess 54 is formed on the rear surface of the outer peripheral edge 53 of the front substrate 51. The annular recess 54 is in close contact with the peripheral light shielding portion 41 from the front. Furthermore, a forward-depressed recess 55 is formed on the rear portion of the front substrate 51, in front of the intermediate light shielding portion 43. This recess 55 is in close contact with the intermediate light shielding portion 43 from the front.

[0038] The front surface 56 of the front base member 51 corresponds to the rear surface 36 of the rear base member 32 , and is composed of a single smooth surface that is gently curved so as to bulge forward.

[0039] <Decorative layer 61>

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the decorative layer 61 is formed between the rear substrate 32 and the intermediate light-shielding portion 43, and between the rear substrate 32 and the front substrate 51. More specifically, the decorative layer 61 is formed in front of the convex portion 34, between the convex portion 34 and the concave portion 52. Furthermore, the decorative layer 61 is formed in front of the normal portion 33, between the intermediate light-shielding portion 43 and the normal portion 33. In other words, the decorative layer 61 is formed in front of the convex portion 34, where it is provided. Furthermore, the decorative layer 61 is formed on the rear surface of the intermediate light-shielding portion 43, where it is provided.

[0041] The decorative layer 61 is composed of a metal coating. Here, it is assumed that if the metal coating is formed in a continuous state throughout a surface, the millimeter wave is blocked or greatly attenuated. Therefore, the metal coating is formed into an island structure by sputtering or vapor deposition of a metal material such as indium (In). The island structure is a structure in which the metal coating is not formed continuously on a surface, and a plurality of fine metal coatings are laid in an island shape, slightly separated from each other, or partially in contact. This structure makes the metal coating a discontinuous structure, increases the resistance, and has millimeter wave permeability. The decorative layer 61 has a metallic luster.

[0042] <Protective layer 63>

[0043] The protective layer 63 covers and protects the decorative layer 61 from behind and is formed between the decorative layer 61 and the rear substrate 32. The protective layer 63 is formed from a colorless, transparent, or colored, transparent material. In this embodiment, it is formed from a polyurethane-based paint. The protective layer 63 is translucent to millimeter waves.

[0044] <Hard Coat 65>

[0045] The hard coating layer 65 is transparent and has millimeter wave transmittance. A known hard coating agent is applied to the front surface 56 of the front substrate 51 to form the hard coating layer 65. Examples of the hard coating agent include organic hard coating agents such as acrylates, oxetanes, and silicones, inorganic hard coating agents, and organic-inorganic hybrid hard coating agents.

[0046] The hard coating layer 65 is located at the frontmost portion of the decorative main body portion 31 . The front surface of the hard coating layer 65 constitutes the exterior decorative surface of the vehicle exterior product 20 .

[0047] The hard coating layer 65 has a function of preventing damage to the front substrate 51. The hard coating layer 65 also has a function of preventing the vehicle exterior product 20 from being altered or deteriorated due to sunlight, wind and rain, temperature changes, and the like.

[0048] <Light Diffusing and Reflecting Member 71>

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the light diffusion and reflection member 71 is arranged behind the decorative main body portion 31. The light diffusion and reflection member 71 has millimeter wave transparency.

[0050] The entire light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 is formed from a resin material in which a white light-diffusing material is dispersed. In this embodiment, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) resin is used as the resin material, but other resin materials, such as a polymer alloy of PC resin and ABS resin, may also be used. Furthermore, the light-diffusing material may be the same material as that dispersed in the rear substrate 32.

[0051] The light diffusion and reflection member 71 diffuses and reflects the light incident on the light diffusion and reflection member 71 so as to convert it into white light.

[0052] The peripheral light shielding portion 41 constituting the outer peripheral edge of the decorative main body portion 31 and the outer peripheral edge 72 of the light diffusion and reflection member 71 are joined by an annular joining portion 73 .

[0053] More specifically, the rear end face 42 of the peripheral light shielding portion 41 is welded to the front surface 74 of the outer peripheral portion 72 of the light diffusion and reflection component 71 by a welding method such as ultrasonic welding. The ultrasonic welding method is a method in which pressure and vibration caused by ultrasonic waves are applied to the predetermined joining surfaces of two resin components, and the frictional heat generated is used to melt and join the two resin components. In this case, the two resin components are the light diffusion and reflection component 71 and the peripheral light shielding portion 41, and the predetermined joining surfaces are the rear end face 42 and the front surface 74. Moreover, the above-mentioned annular joining portion 73 is formed by the welded portion of the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the light diffusion and reflection component 71. In addition, the above-mentioned welding can be performed by a welding method different from the ultrasonic welding method, such as a laser welding method, a hot plate welding method, or the like.

[0054] The area between the decorative main body 31 and the light diffusion and reflection member 71, that is, the area surrounded by the joint 73, constitutes the housing 75. A portion of the area separated from the joint 73 inward in the housing 75 constitutes a passage area 76 for the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12 (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0055] Light Source 81

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light source 81 is composed of a light emitting diode (LED) chip. In the first embodiment, a plurality of light sources 81 are used. Each light source 81 is composed of an LED element 83 mounted on a substrate 82.

[0057] Each light source 81 is arranged in the housing portion 75, that is, at a position offset from the passage area 76. In the first embodiment, some light sources 81 are arranged at a position offset upward from the passage area 76, and the remaining light sources 81 are arranged at a position offset downward from the passage area 76.

[0058] The light source 81 , the decorative main body 31 , and the light diffusing and reflecting member 71 are arranged at a location where the light from the light source 81 is diffused and reflected by the light diffusing and reflecting member 71 and directed toward the rear base 32 .

[0059] As a location satisfying the above conditions, each light source 81 is arranged so that the LED element 83 is located behind the substrate 82. The LED element 83 of each light source 81 is separated forward from the light diffusing and reflecting member 71 and emits light backward.

[0060] The vehicle exterior article 20 is disposed in an upright position within the window portion 13 of the front grille 11 and is attached to the front grille 11. The structure for attaching the vehicle exterior article 20 to the front grille 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the vehicle exterior article 20 can be attached to the front grille 11 by clamping, screwing, or snap-fitting. Furthermore, the vehicle exterior article 20 can be attached to the vehicle body in place of the front grille 11 (not shown).

[0061] Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described, along with the effects resulting from the operation.

[0062] In the vehicle exterior article 20 of the first embodiment, the peripheral light shielding portion 41 constituting the peripheral edge of the decorative main body 31 and the outer peripheral edge 72 of the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 are joined by an annular joint 73, thereby forming a housing portion 75 comprising a closed space. Multiple light sources 81 are disposed within this housing portion 75. Consequently, each light source 81 can be covered by the decorative main body 31 and the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. If external forces are applied to the vehicle exterior article 20, the decorative main body 31 and the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 can absorb the forces. This prevents the external forces from affecting the light sources 81, protecting them from the effects of the forces.

[0063] Furthermore, the aforementioned joint 73 is formed by welding the rear end surface 42 of the peripheral light shielding portion 41 to the front surface 74 of the outer peripheral edge portion 72 of the light diffusing and reflecting member 71. The peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the outer peripheral edge portion 72 are sealed, with no gap between them. This prevents rain, water from melting ice and snow, water used in car washes, and the like from entering the receiving portion 75 through the gap between the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the outer peripheral edge portion 72, thereby improving waterproofing.

[0064] The decorative layer 61 is protected by a protective layer 63 covering the decorative layer 61 from behind. The protective layer 63 prevents the decorative layer 61 from peeling off from the front substrate 51 and maintains the decorative layer 61 in close contact with the front substrate 51.

[0065] When the millimeter wave is transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12, the millimeter wave is sequentially transmitted through the light diffusion and reflection member 71, the housing portion 75, and the decorative main body portion 31. A portion of the area of ​​the housing portion 75 that is offset from the joint 73 toward the inner side of the housing portion 75 constitutes a passage area 76 (see FIG. 1 ) through which the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12 passes. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 ). Therefore, all the transmitted millimeter waves pass through the housing portion 75. There is no phenomenon in which a part of the transmitted millimeter waves passes outside the housing portion 75.

[0066] Furthermore, the LED elements 83 of each light source 81 are located in a portion of the housing portion 75 that is offset upward or downward from the passage area 76. Therefore, the millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter-wave radar device 12 pass through the portion of the housing portion 75 where the light sources 81 are not located. Each light source 81 does not hinder the passage of the millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter-wave radar device 12.

[0067] Millimeter waves transmitted through the decorative main body 31 are reflected by objects in front of the vehicle, such as preceding vehicles and pedestrians, and then sequentially pass through the decorative main body 31, the housing 75, and the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. These millimeter waves are received by the millimeter-wave radar device 12. The decorative layer 61, composed of a metal coating, has an island structure and is discontinuous, resulting in increased electrical resistance and millimeter-wave transparency.

[0068] The millimeter wave radar device 12 recognizes the object based on the transmitted and received millimeter waves and detects the distance, relative speed, and the like between the vehicle 10 and the object.

[0069] Furthermore, the LED element 83 of each light source 81 emits light rearward. The light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 is located behind each light source 81. Therefore, the light emitted by each light source 81 is directed toward the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. The light, which is diffusely reflected as white light by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71, comes into contact with the particles of the white light-diffusing material dispersed in the resin material of the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71, and then travels toward the rear substrate 32. The light that reaches the rear substrate 32 comes into contact with the particles of the white light-diffusing material dispersed in the resin material, and then diffuses and transmits through the rear substrate 32 as white light.

[0070] Therefore, when the vehicle exterior article 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative main body 31 can be seen brightly in white. In particular, the light emitted by each light source 81 is diffused and reflected by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71, then diffused by the rear base member 32 and transmitted therethrough. Therefore, when the vehicle exterior article 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10, the vehicle exterior article 20 can be seen brightly in white, compared to a case where the light from each light source 81 is diffused by only one of the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 and the rear base member 32.

[0071] However, in Figure 3 In the embodiment, a portion of visible light incident on the vehicle exterior product 20 from the front is transmitted through the hard coat layer 65 and the front substrate 51 in this order.

[0072] A portion of the visible light is absorbed by the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 located in the background area 21. Therefore, when viewing the vehicle exterior product 20 from the front of the vehicle 10, the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 are visible behind (inwardly facing) the hard coating layer 65 and the front substrate 51. Furthermore, the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 appear black. Components further rearward than the peripheral light shielding portion 41 and the intermediate light shielding portion 43 are not visible.

[0073] Furthermore, some visible light is reflected by the decorative layer 61 located in the patterned area 22. Therefore, when viewing the patterned area 22 of the vehicle exterior product 20 from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative layer 61 appears to be located behind (inwardly facing) the hard coat layer 65 and the front substrate 51. Furthermore, the decorative layer 61 is formed between the recessed portion 52 and the raised portion 34 in the patterned area 22, giving the decorative layer 61 a three-dimensional appearance of projecting forward. Furthermore, because the decorative layer 61 is formed from a metal coating, it appears to gleam like metal.

[0074] In this manner, the vehicle exterior article 20 is decorated by the intermediate light-shielding portion 43 located in the background area 21 , the decorative layer 61 located in the pattern area 22 , and the peripheral light-shielding portion 41 located in the outer peripheral edge of the decorative main body portion 31 , thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle exterior article 20 and its surrounding areas.

[0075] (Second embodiment)

[0076] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle exterior product will be described.

[0077] In the second embodiment, as Figure 3As shown by the double-dashed line in FIG, a light reflecting portion 85 is provided between the portion of the protective layer 63 located behind the intermediate light shielding portion 43 and the normal portion 33 to reflect the irradiated light backward. As the light reflecting portion 85, for example, a light-reflecting reflective sheet is used. The reflective sheet is attached to the aforementioned portion of the rear surface of the protective layer 63 using an adhesive, a bonding agent, or the like. Alternatively, the light reflecting portion 85 may be formed from a coating film containing particles of a white light-diffusing material. Furthermore, the light reflecting portion 85 may be resin-molded using a resin material containing a white light-diffusing material.

[0078] The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0079] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0080] Of the light emitted from the light source 81 and diffusely reflected by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71, the light directed toward the intermediate light shielding portion 43 is directed toward the light-reflecting portion 85. This light is reflected rearward by the light-reflecting portion 85 and directed toward the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. Thus, the light diffusely reflected by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 bounces off the light-reflecting portion 85 and returns to the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. Therefore, compared to a case where the light-reflecting portion 85 is not provided, the amount of light diffusely reflected by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 increases. Consequently, the amount of light diffused and transmitted by the rear substrate 32 increases, thereby improving brightness.

[0081] (Third embodiment)

[0082] Below, refer to Figure 4 A third embodiment of the vehicle exterior product will be described.

[0083] The rear base 32 is formed with a normal portion 33 and a belt-shaped convex portion 34 that protrudes forward from the normal portion 33. An intermediate light shielding portion 43 is formed in front of the normal portion 33. In the above respects, the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0084] Although the description is omitted in the first embodiment, the belt-shaped convex portion 34 has a pair of side surfaces 37 and a top surface 38. The pair of side surfaces 37 are located on both sides of the convex portion 34 in the width direction ( Figure 4 (The upper and lower sides are shown in the figure). If the spacing between the two side surfaces 37 is re-expressed, the convex portion 34 is inclined relative to the aforementioned transmission direction (front-back direction) such that the width of the convex portion 34 increases toward the rear. The inclination angles of the two side surfaces 37 relative to the front-back direction may be the same or different. The top surface 38 is located at the front end of the convex portion 34 and connects the front ends of the two side surfaces 37.

[0085] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a light shielding layer 87 is formed between the convex portion 34 and the decorative layer 61 and protective layer 63, and in a portion facing each side surface 37, to block the transmission of light. The light shielding layer 87 is not formed between the top surface 38 of the convex portion 34 and the decorative layer 61 and protective layer 63. Furthermore, the light shielding layer 87 may be formed behind the intermediate light shielding portion 43, between the decorative layer 61 and protective layer 63, and the normal portion 33, or may not be formed.

[0086] The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0087] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0088] Here, when the light source 81 is not on, light from the light source 81 does not irradiate the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. Therefore, light is not diffused and reflected by the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71. Consequently, light from the light-diffusing and reflecting member 71 does not irradiate the rear substrate 32. Therefore, light is not diffused or transmitted by the rear substrate 32 either.

[0089] On the other hand, when visible light enters the vehicle exterior product 20 from the front, part of the visible light is absorbed by the intermediate light shielding portion 43, thereby blocking its transmission. Therefore, when the vehicle exterior product 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10, components further rearward than the intermediate light shielding portion 43 are not visible.

[0090] Furthermore, some of the visible light is reflected by the portion of the decorative layer 61 located in front of the protrusion 34. Therefore, when viewing the vehicle exterior article 20 from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative layer 61 appears to protrude forward in three dimensions, as described above. Specifically, the portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on the top surface 38 of the protrusion 34 appears to be located further forward than the portion formed on the two side surfaces 37. The portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on the side surfaces 37 of the protrusion 34 appears to be a shadow, further back than the portion formed on the top surface 38.

[0091] On the other hand, if the light diffused and transmitted by the rear substrate 32 when the light source 81 is turned on also illuminates the portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on the top surface 38 and the portions formed on the two side surfaces 37, the following problem may arise. Specifically, due to the light diffused and transmitted by the rear substrate 32, the portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on the top surface 38 and the portions formed on the two side surfaces 37 appear equally bright. Figure 4W1 in FIG. 1 represents the width of the decorative layer 61 on the convex portion 34 at this time. Compared to the above-mentioned non-lighting state of the light source 81, the decorative layer 61 on the convex portion 34 appears to be larger in the width direction of the convex portion 34 in accordance with the decorative layer 61 formed on both side surfaces 37.

[0092] In this regard, in the third embodiment, a light shielding layer 87 is formed between each side surface 37 of the protrusion 34 and the decorative layer 61. The light shielding layer 87 absorbs light and blocks its transmission. Light diffused and transmitted by the back substrate 32 does not reach the portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on each side surface 37 of the protrusion 34.

[0093] In contrast, the light shielding layer 87 is not formed between the top surface 38 of the convex portion 34 and the decorative layer 61 . Therefore, the light diffused and transmitted by the back substrate 32 reaches the portion of the decorative layer 61 formed on the top surface 38 of the convex portion 34 .

[0094] When the light source 81 is turned on, the portion of the decorative layer 61 on the convex portion 34 formed on the top surface 38 appears bright, but the portion formed on each side surface 37 appears dim. Figure 4 W2 in FIG. 5 represents the width of the decorative layer 61 on the convex portion 34 that appears bright at this time.

[0095] Therefore, when the vehicle exterior product 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10 , the decorative layer 61 on the convex portion 34 is visible with the same width both when the light source 81 is off and when it is on, thereby improving the appearance.

[0096] (Fourth embodiment)

[0097] Below, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the vehicle exterior product 20 will be described.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment, the decorative layer 61 is formed of a metal coating that has millimeter wave transmittance and shifts the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 81. The metal coating is formed of indium. In this respect, the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment, the protective layer 63 contains a pigment or dye that satisfies the following conditions.

[0100] Condition: While light entering the protective layer 63 is passing through the protective layer 63 , the color of the light is changed so that the light becomes white after passing through the decorative layer 61 .

[0101] When the metal coating is formed of indium as described above, the protective layer 63 contains a green pigment or dye.

[0102] The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0103] Figure 5 A chromaticity diagram is shown in which the color of light is represented by plane coordinates (Cx, Cy). The color of light is represented by the coordinate position on the chromaticity diagram. Figure 6 Zoomed in to show Figure 5 Part B in.

[0104] As described above, when the decorative layer 61 is formed of a metal coating, light is converted into light of a color different from white by passing through the decorative layer 61. When the vehicle exterior article 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative layer 61 appears to be emitting light in the converted color, which is a color different from white.

[0105] When the metal coating is formed of indium, light is transmitted through the decorative layer 61, thereby Figure 6 The light is converted into yellow light as indicated by the arrow X in FIG. When the vehicle exterior article 20 is viewed from the outside of the vehicle 10 , the decorative layer 61 appears to be luminous in yellow.

[0106] However, in the fourth embodiment, a material containing the aforementioned pigment or dye is used as the protective layer 63. Therefore, as light incident on the protective layer 63 passes through the protective layer 63, the color of the light after passing through the decorative layer 61 is converted to white. The converted light passes through the decorative layer 61, adjusting the color of the light to white on the blackbody locus.

[0107] As the protective layer 63, as described above, a material containing a green pigment or dye is used. In this way, when the light incident on the protective layer 63 passes through the protective layer 63, Figure 6 As shown by the arrow Y in FIG, the green pigment or dye causes the light after passing through the decorative layer 61 to be converted into a white color (green). The converted green light passes through the decorative layer 61, thereby Figure 6 As shown by the arrow Z in , the light can be adjusted to white on the black body locus (not shown). Therefore, when the vehicle exterior article 20 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 10, the decorative layer 61 can be seen to emit white light.

[0108] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined and implemented within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0109] <About the rear substrate 32>

[0110] In order to diffuse light by using the rear substrate 32, instead of dispersing the light diffusing material in the resin material forming the rear substrate 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown by the double-dashed line in FIG, a concave-convex portion 89 can be formed on the rear surface 36 of the rear substrate 32 so that the light irradiated to the rear surface 36 is diffused and transmitted. Figure 4 In the figure, the concave and convex parts 89 are exaggerated for the convenience of illustration.

[0111] Thus, when light diffused and reflected by the light diffusing and reflecting member 71 enters the concavoconvex portion 89, the light diffuses and passes through the concavoconvex portion 89. Therefore, the back base 32 allows light incident on the decorative main body 31 to diffuse and pass through in white.

[0112] <About the Light Diffusing and Reflecting Member 71>

[0113] ·like Figure 3 As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG, the frontmost portion of the light diffusion and reflection component 71 can be composed of a light diffusion and reflection layer 91, which is composed of a coating film in which particles of a white light diffusion material are dispersed. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , a portion of the light diffusing and reflecting member 71 located forward of a two-dot chain line represents the light diffusing and reflecting layer 91 .

[0114] Thus, the light emitted from the light source 81 is irradiated toward the light diffusion reflecting layer 91 of the light diffusion reflecting member 71. When the irradiated light contacts the light diffusion material dispersed in the resin material of the light diffusion reflecting layer 91, it is diffusely reflected.

[0115] <Decorative layer 61>

[0116] The metal coating constituting the decorative layer 61 may be formed of a metal material of a different type from indium. When this modification is applied to the fourth embodiment, the protective layer 63 contains a pigment or dye of a different color from that of the fourth embodiment.

[0117] About Light Source 81

[0118] A different number of light sources 81 than in the above embodiment may be employed.

[0119] The light source 81 may be arranged at a portion of the housing portion 75 that is offset in the left-right direction relative to the passage area 76 .

[0120] As the light source 81, a light source that emits light based on a principle different from that of an electric field luminescence LED can be used, for example, a light source that emits light based on incandescent light, fluorescent light, discharge light, chemiluminescence, laser light, or the like.

[0121] <Regarding the application of the vehicle exterior product 20>

[0122] The vehicle exterior product 20 can also be used when the millimeter-wave radar device 12 is mounted at a location other than the front of the vehicle 10, such as the rear. In this case, the millimeter-wave radar device 12 transmits millimeter waves toward the rear of the vehicle 10. The vehicle exterior product 20 is disposed in front of the millimeter-wave radar device 12 in the direction of millimeter-wave transmission, that is, at a location behind the vehicle 10 relative to the millimeter-wave radar device 12.

[0123] Likewise, the vehicle exterior article 20 may also be applied to a case where the millimeter-wave radar device 12 is mounted on an oblique front side portion or an oblique rear side portion of the vehicle 10 .

[0124] The vehicle exterior article 20 is installed in front of the millimeter-wave radar device 12 in the direction of millimeter-wave transmission on the vehicle 10, serves as a decoration for the vehicle 10, and has millimeter-wave transparency. Examples of the vehicle exterior article 20 include vehicle emblems, decorative parts, logos, and front grilles.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior product configured to be applied to a vehicle equipped with a millimeter-wave radar device that transmits millimeter waves, and configured to be arranged in front of the millimeter-wave radar device in a transmission direction of the millimeter waves, wherein: The vehicle exterior product includes: a decorative main body configured to decorate an exterior portion of the vehicle; a light source that emits light; and a light diffusion and reflection member having millimeter wave transmittance and diffusely reflecting the incident light; The decorative main body has: a substrate that diffuses and transmits the incident light and has millimeter wave transmittance; as well as a decorative layer formed on the front side of the base material in the transmission direction and having the millimeter wave transmittance, The light source, the decorative main body, and the light diffusion and reflection member are arranged so that the light emitted from the light source is diffused and reflected by the light diffusion and reflection member and emitted toward the substrate. The light diffusion and reflection member is arranged further rearward than the decorative main body in the transmission direction. The outer peripheral edge of the decorative main body and the outer peripheral edge of the light diffusing and reflecting member are joined by an annular joining portion. Between the decorative main body and the light diffusion and reflection member, the area surrounded by the joint portion constitutes a receiving portion. The light source is arranged in the receiving portion, The decorative main body further comprises a light shielding portion for blocking the transmission of the light on the basis of the base material. A portion of the light shielding portion is formed by a peripheral light shielding portion in close contact with the outer peripheral edge of the substrate. The peripheral light shielding portion is welded to the outer peripheral portion of the light diffusing and reflecting member in a state of close contact, The joining portion is formed by the welded portion of the peripheral light shielding portion and the light diffusion and reflection member. The portion of the light shielding portion that is located in front of the substrate in the transmission direction and is surrounded by the peripheral light shielding portion is composed of an intermediate light shielding portion. A light reflecting portion is provided between the intermediate light shielding portion and the base material so as to reflect the incident light backward in the transmission direction.

2. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate has: a normal portion; and a strip-shaped convex portion that protrudes further forward in the transmission direction than the normal portion. The two sides of the convex portion in the width direction are composed of a pair of side surfaces inclined with respect to the transmission direction so that the distance between them increases as they go toward the rear of the transmission direction. The front end surface of the convex portion in the sending direction is composed of a top surface connecting two side surfaces. The intermediate light shielding portion is formed on the front side of the normal portion in the transmission direction. A light shielding layer for blocking the transmission of the light is formed between each side surface of the convex portion and the decorative layer, and no light shielding layer is formed between the top surface of the convex portion and the decorative layer.

3. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The substrate is a rear substrate, The vehicle exterior product further comprises a front substrate formed of a transparent resin material. The front substrate is arranged in a state of being in close contact with the decorative layer and is positioned in front of the decorative layer in the transmission direction. A protective layer for covering and protecting the decorative layer from the rear side in the transmission direction is formed between the decorative layer and the rear substrate.

4. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 3, wherein: The decorative layer is formed of a metal coating having the millimeter wave transmittance and shifting the wavelength of light emitted from the light source. The protective layer contains a pigment or dye, The pigment or the dye changes the color of the light incident on the protective layer while the light passes through the protective layer so that the light becomes white after passing through the decorative layer.

5. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 4, wherein: The metal coating is formed of indium, The protective layer contains the green pigment or the green dye.

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