Visual components for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a visual component for a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (10) designed as a fiber-reinforced plastic component having a multi-layer fiber reinforcement (30) embedded in an at least largely transparent plastic matrix (20). The fiber reinforcement (30) consists of an opaque visual layer (35) or a visual layer in the form of a metallized glass fiber layer (36) and largely transparent structural layers (31 to 34), wherein the visual layer (35) is formed from first fibers embedded in the plastic matrix (20) and the structural layers (31 to 34) are formed from second fibers embedded in the plastic matrix (20), the visual layer (35) being designed such that, when the visual layer (35) is illuminated from the rear, light passes through fiber interspaces between the first fibers of the visual layer (35), and the fiber interspaces are filled with the plastic matrix (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a visual component, in particular a transmissive visual component, for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles have functional lighting, such as headlights or flashers. For design reasons, it is desirable to illuminate other visible components of the vehicle in addition to these functional lighting or to equip them with a lighting function. This applies to both visible components in the interior and components on the vehicle exterior.

[0003] For example, some injection-molded parts are known that are laser-structured and illuminated with a light source, such as the pushbutton for a pushbutton switch described in DE 101 54 543 A1. A disadvantage is the high absorption of light when it passes through the component, which reduces the luminous intensity on the visible side of the component. Achieving sufficient luminous intensity requires a significant reduction in wall thickness and / or a powerful light source. The former weakens the component, while the latter requires a large amount of installation space and high power consumption. Furthermore, laser structuring requires additional manufacturing steps during component production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a visual component for a motor vehicle which has improved illuminability or transmissivity and has a high radiation intensity, in particular in the illuminated state. On the other hand, the visual component should be cost-effective to produce.

[0005] This object is achieved by a visual component as described below and by another visual component as described below.

[0006] A visual component is provided, comprising a base body configured as a fiber-reinforced plastic component having a multi-layer fiber reinforcement embedded in an at least largely transparent plastic matrix. The term "at least largely transparent" is to be understood as meaning that the feature referred to as being largely transparent is permeable to a large portion of light visible to humans and that the contours of an opaque body located behind it are clearly discernible in the presence of light. According to the invention, the fiber reinforcement comprises a largely transparent structural layer and a visual layer configured as an opaque fiber layer or as a metallized glass fiber layer. The visual layer is formed from first fibers embedded in the plastic matrix, and the structural layer is formed from second fibers embedded in the plastic matrix. The visual layer is configured such that, when the visual layer is illuminated from the rear, light passes through interfiber spaces between the first fibers of the visual layer, and the interfiber spaces are filled with the plastic matrix.

[0007] The matrix of the visual component substantially defines the outer contour and shape of the visual component, for example, the matrix illustrates the entire visible surface of the component. In addition, the matrix preferably also defines the mechanical properties of the visual component, for example, bending strength or torsional rigidity. In addition to the matrix, the visual component may also have other elements, for example fixing means or a housing for fixing means.

[0008] The matrix has a visible side that is at least partially visible when the viewable component is installed. The fiber reinforcement comprises a plurality of fiber layers stacked one above the other, wherein the fiber layer closest to the visible side is referred to as the visible layer or the uppermost fiber layer. If the viewable component is viewed from its visible side, the visible layer is visible through the matrix material.

[0009] The fiber reinforcement also has a structural layer. This structural layer is also a fiber layer. This structural layer essentially defines the mechanical properties of the visible component. This visible layer can, but does not necessarily, contribute to the structural strength of the component. The structural layer is composed of a material that, in combination with the matrix material, is at least transparent to a large extent. The term "at least transparent to a large extent" should be understood here to mean that the characteristic referred to as being transparent to a large extent is permeable to a large portion of light visible to humans, and the outline of the opaque body located behind it is clearly recognizable under light conditions. The fiber layer that is at least transparent to a large extent and the plastic matrix that is at least transparent to a large extent may also be completely transparent.

[0010] In other words, the visual component comprises an at least largely transparent fiber composite, in which, in addition to a plurality of largely transparent fiber layers, a single visual layer is integrated, which consists of opaque fibers or metallized glass fibers. In other words, the fiber composite preferably consists of a visual layer, which consists of opaque fibers or metallized glass fibers, and which is embedded in an at least largely transparent composite of a structural layer and a plastic matrix.

[0011] The effect achieved by this structure is as follows: the visual component looks like a conventional visual component during the day (without backlighting). The opaque visual layer or metallized glass fiber layer reflects most of the light, so that the visual layer is visible to the observer and at the same time is hidden, so that the structure located thereunder is transparent to a large extent. The opaque visual layer or metallized glass fiber layer can make the visual component look like a conventional visual component when not illuminated. If the component is illuminated from the back, the largely transparent fiber composite structure located below the visual layer causes most of the light to penetrate the component, so that the component glows to the observer. For this reason, only a relatively low light intensity is required because the visual component only absorbs a small amount of incoming light due to its structure. Therefore, both designs are based on the same idea, that is, the fiber composite is constructed to be transparent to a large extent in addition to the visual layer and the visual layer is selected so that it conceals the largely transparent structure located thereunder during the day, but can allow light to penetrate when backlit.

[0012] An "opaque fiber layer" is understood to mean a fiber layer composed of opaque fibers. Thus, the fibers themselves are opaque, although light can pass through the interfiber spaces of the fiber layer. The opaque visual layer can be composed, for example, of aramid fibers, metal fibers, or carbon fibers, or a combination of these fibers. In one embodiment, the visual layer can be composed, for example, of a carbon fiber layer, so that the visual component functions like a conventional component in a carbon visual appearance.

[0013] Instead of an opaque visual layer, a metallized glass fiber layer can be used. Glass fibers themselves are milky and translucent. Through metallization, which can be performed, for example, by vapor deposition, the glass fiber layer is coated with a very thin metal layer. The thickness of the metal layer is preferably selected so that the glass fibers appear to an observer like metal fibers under incident light. Advantageously, the metal layer has a thickness in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the metallization or metal vapor deposition is kept so thin that the metallized glass fibers remain translucent even when light penetrates them. This has the advantage that light also penetrates through the metallized glass fibers when the visible component is illuminated from the back. While with an opaque visible layer, the structure of the visible layer in the illuminated component remains visible to the observer, with this metallized glass fiber layer, the structure of the visible layer largely or even completely disappears from the observer's view, resulting in a much clearer and more noticeable lighting effect.

[0015] Metallization or vapor deposition can be performed using various metals, such as aluminum, silver, gold, etc. The thickness of the metal layer depends, in particular, on the metal and the method used. To achieve the above-mentioned effects, in one embodiment, it has proven particularly advantageous if the metallized fiberglass layer is an aluminum-deposited fiberglass layer, and the aluminum layer has a thickness in the range of 40 nm to 60 nm, and in particular, in the range of 45 nm to 55 nm.

[0016] The visible layer can be formed, for example, from a woven fabric, a loose-knit fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a braided fabric. If an opaque fiber layer is used as the visible layer, the light from the backlighting passes through the interfiber spaces between the largely transparent substrate and the visible layer. In one advantageous embodiment, the visible layer is formed from a woven fabric. This type of visible layer has relatively large and evenly distributed interfiber spaces filled with matrix material, through which light can pass. This allows a particularly large amount of light to pass through the component, achieving a high light intensity on the visible surface.

[0017] The plastic matrix of the visual component is largely transparent. In principle, the plastic matrix can be a thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic matrix. For the production of visual components that must meet high mechanical requirements, it can be advantageous if the plastic matrix is ​​a thermosetting plastic matrix.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the structural layer is preferably configured as a glass fiber layer. The individual layers of glass fibers can be present as oriented fiber layers, such as woven fabrics, loose-knit fabrics, braided fabrics, etc., or as non-oriented fiber layers, such as non-woven fabrics. If the glass fibers are penetrated by a largely transparent matrix material, they are also largely transparent.

[0019] Visual components can be produced like conventional fiber composite components using known methods suitable for large-scale series production, such as wet pressing or resin transfer molding (RTM). Prepregs can also be used, which are then further processed, for example, in an autoclave. This requires neither additional production steps nor additional equipment parts, making production cost-effective.

[0020] The visual component can be irradiated from its back side, facing away from the visible side. To this end, only a relatively low light intensity is required, since the visual component, due to its structure, absorbs or reflects only a small amount of incident light. The visual component can be irradiated by means of a light source that is arranged on the back side of the visual component in the vehicle.

[0021] However, in one embodiment, the visual component may also include a light source disposed on a side of the substrate facing away from the visual layer. The light source is disposed and designed such that light emitted therefrom passes through the substrate toward the visual layer. The light source may, for example, be fixed to the substrate. The light source may, for example, be an LED. In one embodiment, a planar light source, such as an electroluminescent film, is used as the light source to achieve particularly uniform illumination while requiring minimal space.

[0022] In order to achieve multi-color lighting, the substrate can also have one or more color filter layers in one design. The color filter layer can be arranged on the substrate on the side facing away from the visible layer. Similarly, the one or more color filter layers can be arranged on the visible side of the substrate. For example, the color filter layer can cover the entire visual component or only a portion. The color filter layer acts like a color filter and only allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. The color filter layer can be formed, for example, by a transparent or translucent color layer, such as a paint layer or a glaze layer.

[0023] In one embodiment, the visual component can be particularly flexibly and cost-effectively personalized by attaching the one or more color filter layers as labels to the substrate, preferably to the back side of the substrate. The color filter layers can, for example, be arranged on a film or be designed as a film, for example, as a self-adhesive film or having an adhesive layer.

[0024] The use of the color filter layer makes it possible to use a monochromatic light source, for example white, and still illuminate the visual component in a variety of different colors. The use of an RGB light source can be dispensed with. Therefore, the use of the color filter layer is a particularly cost-effective option for producing multi-color light effects in components.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition, an opaque masking layer may be provided, preferably arranged on the substrate on the side facing away from the visible layer. This makes it possible to simply limit the lighting effect to a specific area of ​​the visible component. The masking layer is preferably completely opaque to the light emitted by the light source. The masking layer may, for example, be made of lacquer or a coating. Alternatively, the masking layer may be affixed to the substrate in the form of a label.

[0026] By using masking layers and / or color filter layers, various light effects can be produced and, for example, logo emblems, lettering, design lines or arbitrary shapes can be provided as light effects in the scene.

[0027] For example, the visual component may be an interior component of a motor vehicle, such as an interior trim panel component, an armrest, a seat shell, etc. Alternatively, the visual component may be an exterior component of a motor vehicle, such as a mirror cap, a spoiler, a hood, etc.

[0028] Additional advantages, features, and details of the present invention are apparent from the following description, which describes various exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description may be essential to the present invention, either individually or in any combination. If the term "may" is used in this application, it refers not only to technical possibilities but also to actual technical implementation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following are explanations of various embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figures 1 to 4 showing a cross-sectional view of an exemplary visual component,

[0031] Figure 5 showing a view of an exemplary unilluminated visual component,

[0032] Figure 6 Shown in the illuminated state Figure 5 The visual component in

[0033] Figures 7 to 10 showing a cross-sectional view of an additional exemplary visual component,

[0034] Figure 11 A view showing another exemplary unilluminated visual component, and

[0035] Figure 12 Shown in the illuminated state Figure 11 The visual component in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 An exemplary first visual component 1 is shown. The visual component 1 comprises a base 10 configured as a fiber-reinforced plastic component. The base 10 is formed from a plastic matrix 20, into which a fiber reinforcement 30 is embedded. The fiber reinforcement 30 is composed of a plurality of fiber layers stacked one on top of the other to form a stack. The fiber reinforcement 30 is composed of a plurality of structural layers 31 to 34 (here, for example, four structural layers) and a visual layer 35. The visual layer 35, as the uppermost layer, faces the visual side 2 of the visual component 1. The visual layer 35 and the structural layers 31 to 34 can preferably be configured as oriented fiber layers, with the visual layer 35 preferably being configured as a woven or loose-knit fabric.

[0037] The plastic matrix 20 and the structural layers 31 to 34 are designed to be transparent or largely transparent. For example, a transparent plastic matrix and structural layers composed of glass fibers are used. If the glass fiber layers are penetrated by the transparent plastic matrix, they also become transparent or largely transparent. In contrast, the visual layer 35 is designed as an opaque visual layer, preferably composed of an aramid fiber layer or a carbon fiber layer. The visual layer 35 (when viewed from the visible side of the component 1) is visible through the plastic matrix 20. In the unilluminated state, the visual component 1 functions like a conventional visual component, for example, with a carbon visual appearance.

[0038] In addition, a light source 40 is arranged on the back side of the component 1 (ie the side facing away from the visible side 2). The light source can be fixed on the base body with or without spacing, or can be fixed on the base body as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , is applied to the base body 10 in a planar manner as shown in FIG. Light is emitted from a light source 40 toward the base body 10. The light passes through the base body 10 and exits from it on the visible side 2. Due to the use of a largely transparent plastic matrix 20 and a fiber reinforcement 30 having only a single opaque fiber layer 35, only a small portion of the light emitted by the light source 40 is absorbed or reflected. The light exits the component 1 through the interfiber spaces of the opaque visible layer 35; the light intensity is only slightly reduced.

[0039] Figure 2 、 3 Further alternative viewable elements 1A, 1B and 1C are shown in Figures 4 and 4. If the same reference numerals are used, these relate to the same features which will not be described again.

[0040] In addition to the above-described structure, the viewable member 1A also has an opaque masking layer 50. The masking layer is arranged on the back side of the base 10 facing away from the viewable side 2 and partially covers the back side. In the masked area, the masking layer 50 prevents the light from the light source 40 from passing through, so that the viewable member 1 remains unilluminated in this area (even when the light source 40 is activated).

[0041] The viewable component 1B differs from the viewable component 1A in that in the unmasked areas a color filter layer 60 is arranged on the back side of the substrate 10. The color filter layer acts like a color filter and therefore absorbs part of the light and emits the rest (e.g. a specific color).

[0042] The masking layer 50 and / or the color filter layer 60 can be applied to the substrate as a lacquer layer or glaze, for example. Alternatively, the masking layer 50 and / or the color filter layer 60 can also be configured as a label adhered to the substrate 10 .

[0043] exist Figure 4In the visual component 1C of FIG, the color filter layer 60A is constructed on the visible side 2 and is composed of, for example, a colored paint layer or a colored glaze. The color filter layer can be arranged directly on the substrate 10, or one or more additional layers (such as an adhesion promoter layer) can be arranged between the substrate and the color filter layer 60A.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shown in the unlit state ( Figure 5 ) and the illuminated state ( Figure 6 ) in the form of an exemplary visual component 1 ' in the form of a seat trim. Here, the visual component 1 ' has a headrest 3 in the area as for Figure 3 The structure described and in the area of ​​the backrest 4 has the same Figure 2 The structure of the description.

[0045] If the light source 40 is switched off, the visual component 1' behaves like a conventional component in a carbon visual appearance. The visual layer 35 is visible through the plastic matrix. With the light source 40 activated, the visual component 1' is illuminated from the inside. The backrest 4 is partially masked, so that only an inner area 5 is illuminated, wherein the logo 6 in the inner area is also masked and remains unilluminated. In the area of ​​the headrest 3, the masking is left free only for the logo 7. The area of ​​the logo 7 is provided with three differently colored filter layers (similar to the color filter layer 60), so that the logo 7 is illuminated in stripes in three different colors.

[0046] Figures 7 to 10 Shown are cross-sectional views of additional exemplary viewable components 1D to 1G. These viewable components 1D to 1G are similar to Figures 1 to 4 The difference of the visual component shown in FIG is that a metallized glass fiber layer 36 is provided in the base body 10 instead of the opaque visual layer 35. Figure 11 and 12 Another visual element 1 ″ is shown, which is similar in structure to the one for Figure 5 and 6 The only difference here is that a metallized glass fiber layer 36 is installed instead of the opaque visual layer 35. The same reference numerals denote the same features, as long as the Figures 1 to 6 The description also applies to Figures 7 to 12 The visual element 1 ″ has in the area of ​​the headrest 3 a Figure 9 and in the area of ​​the backrest 4 has the structure obtained in Figure 8 The structure shown in .

[0047] If the light source 40 is switched off, the visual component 1 ″ functions as a conventional component in a fiber composite visual appearance. The metallized glass fiber layer 36 is visible through the plastic matrix. With the activated light source 40 , the visual component 1 ′ is illuminated from the inside.

[0048] By using a metallized glass fiber layer 36 instead of the opaque visual layer 35, a change in the effect is now produced in the lighting state. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the light from the light source 40 can only pass through the gaps in the opaque visual layer 35, while in Figure 12 In the visual component 1 ″ in FIG, part of the light from the light source 40 also passes through the metallized glass fiber layer 36. The metallization or metal vapor deposition is so thin that the glass fiber layer 36 is translucent to light. Therefore, in the external effect, in the illuminated state, the structure of the visual layer is less visible and the lighting effects and color effects or the shape of the masked area can be seen more clearly than in a visual component with an opaque visual layer.

[0049] Reference Signs List

[0050] 1, 1', 1", 1A to 1G visual components

[0051] 2 Visible side

[0052] 3 headrests

[0053] 4 Backrest

[0054] 5 Internal area

[0055] 6.7 Trademarks

[0056] 10 Matrix

[0057] 20 Plastic Matrix

[0058] 30 Fiber reinforcement

[0059] 31 to 34 structural layers

[0060] 35 Opaque visual layer

[0061] 36 Metallized fiberglass layer

[0062] 40 Light Source

[0063] 50 masking layer

[0064] 60, 60A color filter layer

Claims

1. A visual component for a motor vehicle, comprising: a base body (10) designed as a fiber-reinforced plastic component, the plastic component having a multi-layer fiber reinforcement (30) embedded in an at least largely transparent plastic matrix (20), the term "at least largely transparent" being understood to mean that the feature referred to as being largely transparent is permeable to a large portion of light visible to humans and that the contours of an opaque body located behind it are clearly discernible in the presence of light, wherein: The fiber reinforcement (30) consists of an opaque visible layer (35) and a largely transparent structural layer, wherein the visible layer (35) is formed by first fibers embedded in a plastic matrix (20) and the structural layer is formed by second fibers embedded in the plastic matrix (20), the visible layer (35) being configured such that when the visible layer (35) is illuminated from the back side, light passes through fiber gaps between the first fibers of the visible layer (35), and the fiber gaps are filled with the plastic matrix (20).

2. A visual component for a motor vehicle, comprising: a base body (10) designed as a fiber-reinforced plastic component, the plastic component having a multi-layer fiber reinforcement (30) embedded in an at least largely transparent plastic matrix (20), the term "at least largely transparent" being understood to mean that the feature referred to as being largely transparent is permeable to a large portion of light visible to humans and that the contours of an opaque body located behind it are clearly discernible in the presence of light, wherein: The fiber reinforcement (30) consists of a visible layer in the form of a metallized glass fiber layer (36), the visible layer being formed from first fibers embedded in a plastic matrix (20), and a largely transparent structural layer, the visible layer being formed from second fibers embedded in the plastic matrix (20), the visible layer being configured such that when the visible layer is illuminated from the back, light passes through the fiber interspaces between the first fibers of the visible layer, and the fiber interspaces are filled with the plastic matrix (20).

3. The visual component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The structural layer is configured as a glass fiber layer.

4. The visual component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The visible layer is made of woven fabric, loose-knitted fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric or woven fabric.

5. The visual component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plastic matrix (20) is a thermosetting plastic matrix.

6. The viewable component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The viewable component further comprises a light source (40) which is arranged on the side of the base body (10) facing away from the viewable layer, wherein light emitted from the light source (40) transmits the base body (10) towards the viewable layer (35).

7. The viewable component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The visual component also has at least one color filter layer, which is arranged on the substrate (10).

8. The viewable component according to claim 7, wherein The at least one color filter layer consists of a lacquer layer or a label.

9. The viewable component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The viewable component also has a masking layer (50) which is arranged on the base (10).

10. The viewable component according to claim 9, wherein The masking layer (50) is composed of a lacquer layer or a label.

11. The viewable component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The visible component is an interior component of a motor vehicle.

12. The viewable component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The visible component is an exterior component of the motor vehicle.

13. The viewable component according to claim 1, wherein The opaque visible layer (35) is a carbon fiber layer, an aramid fiber layer or a metal fiber layer.

Images