Vehicle exterior trim

Abstract

An exterior trim for a vehicle has a decorative main body portion and a heating sheet. The decorative main body portion has a layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in a front-rear direction. The heating sheet has a transparent sheet base material and a heating wire. The decorative main body portion has a transparent resin layer at a frontmost portion and a decorative layer at a rearward position from the transparent resin layer. The transparent resin layer has a general portion and an outer edge portion. A front surface of the general portion has a general surface. The outer edge portion has a curved surface that is curved or bent more than the general surface. The sheet base material has a main body portion disposed forward of the transparent resin layer and a protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge portion of the main body portion. The main body portion and the portion of the heating wire disposed in the main body portion are disposed only forward of the general surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle exterior ornament for decorating a vehicle, such as a vehicle badge, a decoration, and a sign. BACKGROUND

[0002] With regard to a vehicle equipped with a millimeter wave radar device, a millimeter wave is transmitted from the device toward the outside of the vehicle. The millimeter wave that contacts and is reflected by an object outside the vehicle, including a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like, is received by the millimeter wave radar device. With regard to the millimeter wave radar device, the millimeter wave that is transmitted and received as described above is used to detect the recognition of the object, the distance between the vehicle and the object, the relative speed, and the like.

[0003] With regard to the vehicle, a vehicle exterior ornament, such as a vehicle badge, is disposed in front of the millimeter wave radar device in the direction of transmission of the millimeter wave. The vehicle exterior ornament has a decoration main body portion that decorates the vehicle and has a millimeter wave permeability. The decoration main body portion has a layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the front-rear direction.

[0004] The decoration main body portion has a transparent resin layer at the foremost portion and a decoration layer at the rear of the transparent resin layer. The transparent resin layer has a general portion and an outer edge portion around the general portion. At least the front surface of the general portion has a general surface composed of a flat surface or a curved surface. The outer edge portion has a curved surface that is curved or bent more than the curved degree of the general surface.

[0005] With regard to the vehicle exterior ornament described above, if ice and snow adhere to the vehicle exterior ornament, the millimeter wave attenuates, and there is a problem in that the detection performance of the millimeter wave radar device decreases. Therefore, it is considered to add a snow melting function to the vehicle exterior ornament. For example, a heating sheet is disposed in front of the transparent resin layer (see Japanese Patent No. 6719506). The heating sheet has a transparent sheet base material and a heating wire that is disposed on the sheet base material and generates heat by energization. The sheet base material has a main body portion that is disposed in front of the transparent resin layer and a protruding portion that extends from the peripheral edge portion of the main body portion. The heating wire is disposed on the main body portion and the protruding portion, and receives a power supply in the protruding portion.

[0006] According to the vehicle exterior ornament described above, the heating wire generates heat by energization. Therefore, even if ice and snow adhere to the vehicle exterior ornament, the heat emitted from the heating wire can be used to melt the ice and snow, thereby suppressing the attenuation of the millimeter wave caused by the adhesion of the ice and snow. SUMMARY

[0007] Here, the heating sheet is disposed in a state of being in close contact with the transparent resin layer. If the main body portion of the sheet base material is given a shape corresponding to the shapes of the general surface and the curved surface due to this disposition, the following concerns can arise.

[0008] The curved surface of the outer edge portion is curved or bent more than the general surface, and thus it is difficult to impart a shape corresponding to the curved surface to the main body portion with high precision.

[0009] In addition, in the case where the transparent resin layer is resin-molded by inserting the heating sheet, it is difficult to arrange the main body portion with high precision in the mold while maintaining the shape corresponding to the curved surface.

[0010] This problem is not limited to the millimeter wave radar device, and can occur similarly in a vehicle exterior product in which a heating sheet is arranged in front of a transparent resin layer, as long as the vehicle exterior product is assembled in a vehicle in which a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle is mounted. In addition, the same problem can occur in a vehicle exterior product in which a heating sheet is arranged in front of a transparent resin layer, as long as the vehicle exterior product is assembled in a vehicle in which a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves is not mounted.

[0011] A vehicle exterior product that solves the above problems includes a decorative main body portion having a layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in a front-rear direction and configured to decorate a vehicle, and a heating sheet having a transparent sheet substrate and a heating wire disposed on the sheet substrate, the heating wire being heated by energization, wherein the decorative main body portion has a transparent resin layer at a foremost portion and a decorative layer at a rear portion compared to the transparent resin layer, the transparent resin layer has a general portion and an outer edge portion around the general portion, a front surface of the general portion has a general surface composed of a flat surface or a curved surface, the outer edge portion has a curved surface that is curved or bent more than the general surface, the sheet substrate has a main body portion arranged in front of the transparent resin layer and a protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge portion of the main body portion, the heating wire is disposed on the main body portion and the protruding portion and receives power supply at the protruding portion, and the main body portion and a portion of the heating wire disposed on the main body portion are arranged only in front of the general surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment in which the vehicle exterior product is embodied as a logo, and is a front view of the logo.

[0013] Figure 2 is a rear view of the heating wire of the logo together with a surrounding portion. Figure 1

[0014] Figure 3 is a side sectional view showing a sectional structure of the logo along the direction of line 3-3 together with a millimeter wave radar device and a portion of a front grille. Figure 1

[0015] ​​Figure 4 is a cross-sectional configuration in the direction along line 4-4 of the emblem Figure 1 is a plan view of a cross-sectional configuration in the direction along line 4-4 of the emblem.

[0016] Figure 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view that enlarges a portion of X shown in Figure 3

[0017] Figure 6 is a partial plan cross-sectional view that enlarges a portion of Y shown in Figure 4

[0018] Figure 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view that enlarges a portion of the device for supplying electric power shown in Figure 1

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of line 8-8 shown in Figure 7

[0020] Figure 9 is an oblique view of a heating sheet before molding in the above embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 is an oblique view of a heating sheet after molding in the above embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 is an oblique view of a transparent resin layer in the above embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 is a view that explains a process of insert molding the transparent resin layer in the above embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a state before the heating sheet is arranged in a mold.

[0024] Figure 13 is a view that also explains a process of insert molding the transparent resin layer, and is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a state where the heating sheet is arranged in the mold of Figure 12 and the mold is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a vehicle exterior product that is embodied as an emblem installed in a front portion of a vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Further, in the following description, a forward direction of the vehicle is set as a front direction, and a backward direction of the vehicle is set as a rear direction. In addition, a vertical direction refers to a vertical direction of the vehicle, and a lateral direction refers to a lateral direction of the vehicle, which coincides with a lateral direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 ​​​​As shown, a millimeter-wave radar device 13 for monitoring the front is disposed in the central part of the front of the vehicle 10 in the left-right direction and near the rear of the front grille 11. The millimeter-wave radar device 13 has the function of transmitting millimeter waves of electromagnetic waves toward the front of the vehicle and receiving millimeter waves reflected by contact with objects outside the vehicle.

[0028] In this embodiment, as described above, the millimeter-wave transmission direction of the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is from the rear of the vehicle 10 towards the front. The front of the millimeter-wave transmission direction is approximately the same as the front of the vehicle 10, and the rear of the transmission direction is approximately the same as the rear of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the following description, the front of the millimeter-wave transmission direction will be simply referred to as "front," "fore," etc., and the rear of the transmission direction will be simply referred to as "rear," "rear," etc.

[0029] In the front grille 11, near the millimeter-wave radar device 13, there is an opening 12. A vehicle emblem 14, used for decoration of the vehicle 10, is positioned in front of the window 12, and the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is covered from the front by the emblem 14. The emblem 14 is configured to stand upright with its front surface facing the front of the vehicle 10 and its rear surface facing the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0030] The car logo 14 has a decorative main body 21, a heating sheet 61, and a hard coating 75 (see reference). Figure 5 (etc.). Next, the components that make up the car logo 14 will be explained.

[0031] <Decorative Main Section 21>

[0032] The decorative main body 21 constitutes the main part of the car logo 14. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the decorative main body 21 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the front, which is larger in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction.

[0033] Here, the direction in the radial direction of the aforementioned decorative main body 21 that is close to the center O (the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis) is called the "inner side," and the direction that is away from the center O is called the "outer side." In addition, the direction along the edge of the decorative main body 21 is called the "circumferential direction."

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the area of ​​the decorative main body 21 that moves radially inward from the edge is designated as the transmission area Z1 of millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter-wave radar device 13.

[0035] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the decorative main body 21 has a layered structure in which multiple layers with millimeter-wave permeability are stacked in the front-to-back direction. The multiple layers have a resin substrate 22 and a transparent resin layer 51.

[0036] <Resin base material 22>

[0037] The resin base material 22 is a component that constitutes the rear portion of the decorative main body portion 21, and has a rear base portion 23 and a front base portion 35.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1 and Figures 3-5 , the rear base portion 23 has a base portion 24, an annular locking portion 25, an inner annular protrusion portion 26, and a character protrusion portion 27. The base portion 24 constitutes the rear portion of the entire rear base portion 23. The annular locking portion 25 protrudes forward from the edge portion of the base portion 24 in an oval annular shape. The annular locking portion 25 has a hook-shaped cross-sectional shape. The inner annular protrusion portion 26 protrudes forward from a position in the base portion 24 that is more radially inward than the annular locking portion 25 in an oval annular shape. The character protrusion portion 27 protrudes forward from a portion of the area surrounded by the inner annular protrusion portion 26 in the base portion 24, and represents characters, which in this embodiment represent the letter "K". In the rear base portion 23, the area between the annular locking portion 25 and the inner annular protrusion portion 26 becomes an annular recess portion 28 (see Figure 5 ) that opens toward the front.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7 , the rear base portion 23 has a spigot portion 29 that protrudes rearward from the lower portion of the above-described base portion 24. In the rear portion of the spigot portion 29, a mounting recess portion 32 is formed that is open at the rear surface and recessed toward the front.

[0040] The above-described rear base portion 23 is formed of an AES (acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer) resin, and is colored. In addition, the rear base portion 23 can be formed of an ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic copolymer) resin, a PC (polycarbonate) resin, a PC resin, a polymer alloy of an ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) resin, or the like.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1 and Figures 3-5 , the front base portion 35 is formed in front of the above-described rear base portion 23. The front base portion 35 has an outer annular portion 36 and a background portion 37.

[0042] The outer annular portion 36 is located in front of the annular locking portion 25 and the annular recess portion 28 in an oval annular shape. The outer annular portion 36 is locked to the annular locking portion 25 in a state of being fitted in the annular recess portion 28. As shown in Figure 7 , a portion of the front base portion 35 extends rearward from the outer annular portion 36 into the spigot portion 29.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3 , and Figure 4As shown, the background portion 37 is formed in front of the base portion 24 and is a region different from the inner annular protrusion 26 and the text protrusion 27. The front substrate portion 35 is formed, for example, from a mixture of PC resin and carbon black and has a black color.

[0044] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, two connector pins 45 extending in the front-rear direction are arranged in the socket portion 29, separated from each other in the left-right direction. The front part of each connector pin 45 is composed of a plate-shaped portion 46, and the rear part is composed of a pin portion (not shown) extending rearward from the plate-shaped portion 46. Each plate-shaped portion 46 is embedded in the socket portion 29. A portion of each pin portion is disposed in the aforementioned mounting recess 32. A window portion 47 is formed in the lower part of the socket portion 29, opening at the lower surface of the socket portion 29.

[0045] Furthermore, mounting portions (not shown) for assembling the car emblem 14 to the front grille 11 or the car body are provided at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the rear surface of the aforementioned resin substrate 22. The mounting portions consist of handles, small screws, locking claws, etc.

[0046] <Transparent resin layer 51>

[0047] like Figures 3-5 and Figure 11 As shown, the transparent resin layer 5 constitutes the foremost part of the decorative main body 21. The transparent resin layer 51 is formed in front of the resin substrate 22 from a transparent resin material, specifically PC resin in this embodiment. Transparency here includes not only colorless transparency but also colored transparency. The same applies to the sheet substrate 62 and the hard coating 75, which will be described later. The rear part of the transparent resin layer 51 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the front part of the resin substrate 22.

[0048] The transparent resin layer 51 has: a general portion 52; and an outer edge portion 57 surrounding the general portion 52. The transparent resin layer 51 has a general surface 54 that is gently curved in a forward bulging manner in the general portion 52 and the outer edge portion 57.

[0049] The general portion 52 has a recess 53 that opens forward. The recess 53 has a depth approximately the same as the thickness of the sheet substrate 62 described later. The inner bottom surface of the recess 53 forms part of the general surface 54.

[0050] The outer edge portion 57 has a curved surface 58 that is curved to a greater degree than the general surface 54 described above. Furthermore, the outer edge portion 57 has an inner portion of the radial curved surface 58; alternatively, it has a portion of the general surface 54 around the recess 53. The outer edge portion 57 has an outer peripheral surface 60 outside the radial curved surface 58. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 60 is a flat surface inclined relative to the front-rear direction, but it may also be a surface curved or bent to a lesser degree than the curved surface 58.

[0051] The transparent resin layer 51 has a groove 59 extending from the recess 53 and rearward through the outer edge 57 (see reference). Figure 1 The groove 59 is located at a position slightly circumferentially away from the position below the center O.

[0052] Furthermore, the transparent resin layer 51 can replace the aforementioned PC resin and be formed from a transparent resin material such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resin.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a decorative layer is provided behind the transparent resin layer 51 and between the transparent resin layer 51 and the back substrate portion 23. The decorative layer consists of a glossy decorative layer 38 with high gloss and a colored decorative layer 41 with lower gloss than the glossy decorative layer 38. The glossy decorative layer 38 is stacked in front of the inner annular protrusion 26 and the text protrusion 27. The glossy decorative layer 38 is formed into an island structure using a metal material such as indium (In). The island structure is formed by laying and filling multiple fine metal films on one side in a discontinuous manner, slightly separated from each other or partially in contact with each other in an island-like state. By adopting this structure, the glossy decorative layer 38 is formed into a discontinuous structure, which has high electrical resistance and millimeter-wave transmittance.

[0054] also, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustration of the glossy decorative layer 38 is omitted.

[0055] The colored decorative layer 41 is composed of the aforementioned black front substrate portion 35.

[0056] In the aforementioned millimeter wave transmission region Z1 (reference) Figure 4 The resin substrate 22 and the transparent resin layer 51 are formed as a whole with a constant thickness.

[0057] <Heating Sheet 61>

[0058] like Figures 2-4As shown, the heating sheet 61 is used to add a snow-melting function to the car emblem 14, and has: a sheet substrate 62; and two heating wires 68 and 69, which are arranged on the sheet substrate 62 and generate heat by energizing it (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0059] <Sheet Substrate 62>

[0060] like Figure 9 As shown, the sheet substrate 62 is formed of a transparent resin material such as PC resin. The sheet substrate 62 has a main body portion 63 and a protruding portion 65. The main body portion 63 is formed into a horizontally elongated elliptical shape corresponding to the decorative main body portion 21.

[0061] like Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the protrusion 65 is the part that is electrically connected to the device A for power supply, and extends from the part of the peripheral portion 63a of the main body portion 63 that is slightly offset circumferentially from the part below the center O (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The protrusion 65 is positioned further rearward than the general surface 54 via the aforementioned outer edge 57. The protrusion 65 is arranged along the lower surface of the transparent resin layer 51 and the lower surface of the front substrate portion 35, etc., in a manner that curves relative to the main body portion 63 and surrounds rearward relative to the transparent resin layer 51. Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, openings 66 and 67 are formed on both sides of the aforementioned circumferentially protruding portion 65.

[0062] <Heating wires 68, 69>

[0063] Heating wires 68 and 69 are formed into wires from a metal material, such as copper, that heats up when electricity is applied. Both heating wires 68 and 69 are disposed on the main body portion 63 and the protruding portion 65 of the sheet substrate 62. The heating wires 68 and 69 are disposed on the rear surface of the main body portion 63 relative to it. In the main body portion 63, each heating wire 68 and 69 has: a plurality of straight portions 71 extending parallel to each other; and an arc-shaped folding portion 72 connecting the ends of adjacent straight portions 71 to each other. The heating wires 68 and 69 are arranged with different wiring patterns.

[0064] Heating wire 68 has end portions 68a and 68b at both ends. Heating wire 69 has end portions 69a and 69b at both ends. End portions 68a and 69a are concentrated in one of the aforementioned circumferential directions. Figure 8 The middle section is on the left side. Similarly, the end portions 68b and 69b are concentrated on the other side in the aforementioned circumferential direction. Figure 8 The middle part is the right side.

[0065] As Figures 7-9 shown, the end portions 68a, 69a are joined to the plate-shaped portion 46 by brazing in the opening portion 66. Likewise, the end portions 68b, 69b are joined to the plate-shaped portion 46 by brazing in the opening portion 67. Thereby, the heating wire 69 is connected in parallel with respect to the heating wire 68. Further, for the above-mentioned joining, in addition to the above-mentioned brazing, it is also possible to perform by adhesion using an electrically conductive adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0066] A water stop portion 74 that restricts water from being immersed toward the portion joined in the above-mentioned manner is provided in the window portion 47. The water stop portion 74 is formed, for example, by filling a sealant material composed of a resin material that is softer than the resin base material 22 in the window portion 47.

[0067] Here, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the sheet base material 62 having the main body portion 63 and the transparent resin layer 51 having the recessed portion 53 are composed of different members. Therefore, a linear gap called a division line 55 is generated between the peripheral portion 63a of the main body portion 63 and the opening peripheral portion 53a of the recessed portion 53. In addition, the sheet base material 62 having the main body portion 63 and the protruding portion 65 and the transparent resin layer 51 having the groove portion 59 are composed of different members. Therefore, a linear gap called a division line 56 is generated between the peripheral portion of the boundary portion 65a of the protruding portion 65 with respect to the main body portion 63 and the opening peripheral portion 59a of the groove portion 59.

[0068] As Figure 5 shown, the opening peripheral portion 53a of the recessed portion 53 is located in front of the outer annular portion 36. In the present embodiment, the opening peripheral portion 53a is located at a position that satisfies the following Condition 1.

[0069] Condition 1: a position that is separated by a length that is greater than or equal to the length LI from the boundary line 42 of the inner annular convex portion 26 (lustered decorative layer 38) and the outer annular portion 36 (colored decorative layer 41), in this case, to the outer side in the radial direction.

[0070] The length LI is a value that enables the opening peripheral portion 53a not to be located in front of the inner annular convex portion 26 (lustered decorative layer 38) but to be located in front of the outer annular portion 36 (colored decorative layer 41) even if it is the maximum value of the total value of the deviations of the shapes and the like of the parts, and in the present embodiment, is set to 0.2 mm.

[0071] Also, in the present embodiment, with respect to the heating sheet 61, the main body portion 63 and the portion of the heating wires 68, 69 that is disposed on the rear surface of the main body portion 63 are arranged in a manner that satisfies the following Condition 2 in a state in which the above-mentioned recessed portion 53 is buried.

[0072] Condition 2: The front surface of the main body portion 63 is located on the same plane (coplanar) as the general plane 54 of the peripheral portion of the recessed portion 53.

[0073] By the above configuration, the main body portion 63, and the portions of the heating lines 68, 69 that are disposed on the rear surface of the main body portion 63 are located only in front of the general plane 54 constituted by the inner bottom surface of the recessed portion 53 with respect to the front surface of the transparent resin layer 51.

[0074] In addition, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the above boundary portion 65a of the protruding portion 65, and the portions of the heating lines 68, 69 that are disposed on the boundary portion 65a are configured in a state in which the above groove portion 59 is buried in a manner that satisfies the following Condition 3.

[0075] Condition 3: The front surface of the boundary portion 65a is located on the same plane (coplanar) as the general plane 54 and the curved surface 58 of the peripheral portion of the groove portion 59 of the transparent resin layer 51 (see Figure 11 ).

[0076] However, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the hard coat layer 75 is constituted by a transparent resin material or the like, and is formed at least on the front surface of the main body portion 63, the front surface (general plane 54) of the peripheral portion of the recessed portion 53 in the transparent resin layer 51, the curved surface 58, and the like. The front surface of the hard coat layer 75 constitutes the exterior decorative surface 14a of the emblem 14. In the case where a force is applied to the emblem 14 from the outside, the hard coat layer 75 receives the force and suppresses the application of damage to components that are further rearward than the hard coat layer 75. Furthermore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the illustration of the hard coat layer 75 is omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the emblem 14 configured in the above manner is disposed in a state of standing up more forward than the window portion 12, and is mounted to the front grille 11 or the vehicle body at the mounting portion.

[0078] Moreover, as shown in Figure 7 , the mounting recessed portion 32 of the socket portion 29 is used to insert the plug portion B of the device A from the rear of the emblem 14, thereby causing the heating lines 68, 69 to be electrically connected with respect to the device A.

[0079] Next, the effects of the present embodiment configured in the above manner will be described. In addition, the effects that occur in conjunction with the effects will also be described.

[0080] <(1) Work of providing the main body portion 63 in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the front surface of the transparent resin layer 51>

[0081] Here, as shown in Figures 3-5 , the heating sheet 61 is arranged in a state of being in close contact with the transparent resin layer 51. For this arrangement, the main body portion 63 of the sheet substrate 62 is required to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front surface of the transparent resin layer 51.

[0082] The general surface 54 is relatively gently curved, and thus it is relatively easy to impart the main body portion 63 with a shape corresponding to the general surface 54. In contrast, the curved surface 58 of the outer edge portion 57 is curved more than the general surface 54. Thus, it is difficult to impart the main body portion 63 with a shape corresponding to the curved surface 58 with high precision.

[0083] In addition, in manufacturing the emblem 14, in the case where the transparent resin layer 51 is resin-molded by inserting the heating sheet 61, there is a concern as follows. It is difficult to cause the main body portion 63 to which a shape corresponding to the curved surface 58 is imparted in the above-described manner to maintain the imparted shape, and it is difficult to arrange the portion of the main body portion 63 to be formed in a shape corresponding to the curved surface 58 in the mold with high precision.

[0084] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the main body portion 63, and the portions of the heating lines 68, 69 that are disposed on the rear surface of the main body portion 63 are arranged only in front of the general surface 54. Thus, as shown in Figure 10 , in order to set the main body portion 63 to a shape corresponding to the shape of the front surface of the transparent resin layer 51, only the main body portion 63 is imparted with a shape corresponding to only the general surface 54 of the recessed portion 53. The main body portion 63 can not be imparted with a shape corresponding to the curved surface 58.

[0085] In addition, in the case of insert-molding the transparent resin layer 51, for example, the mold 81 shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 is used. The mold 81 has a fixed mold 82, and a movable mold 84 that can approach and separate with respect to the fixed mold 82. The fixed mold 82 has an arrangement surface 83 in which the main body portion 63 is arranged. The movable mold 84 has a molding surface 85 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the rear surface of the transparent resin layer 51.

[0086] As shown in Figure 12 , the mold 81 is opened by separating the movable mold 84 from the fixed mold 82. The heating sheet 61 is arranged on the arrangement surface 83 of the fixed mold 82.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the main body portion 63 after the above-described imparting does not have a portion curved more than the general surface 54 corresponding to the curved surface 58. Thus, the above-described portion of the main body portion 63 can not be maintained in a shape corresponding to the curved surface 58. Only the main body portion 63 is maintained in a shape corresponding to the general surface 54, and the arrangement of the heating sheet 61 with respect to the arrangement surface 83 becomes easy.

[0088] like Figure 13 As shown, the movable mold 84 is brought close to the fixed mold 82, which is provided with the heating sheet 61, to close the mold 81. A cavity 86 is formed between the fixed mold 82 and the main body 63 and the movable mold 84. Molten resin material is filled into the cavity 86 and cured, thereby molding the transparent resin layer 51.

[0089] Furthermore, as the structure of mold 81, the mold having the configuration surface 83 can be configured as a movable mold, and the mold having the forming surface 85 can be configured as a fixed mold, in contrast to the above.

[0090] <(2) Regarding the transmittance of millimeter waves>

[0091] If millimeter waves are transmitted from millimeter-wave radar device 13, then as Figures 3-6 The millimeter wave, as shown, passes sequentially through the decorative main body 21, the heating sheet 61, and the hard coating 75. After being reflected upon contact with objects in front of the vehicle, including other vehicles and pedestrians, the transmitted millimeter wave passes through the hard coating 75, the heating sheet 61, and the decorative main body 21 in the reverse order, and is received by the millimeter-wave radar device 13. Based on the transmitted and received millimeter waves, the millimeter-wave radar device 13 identifies objects and detects the distance and relative speed between the vehicle 10 and the object.

[0092] <(3) Regarding snow melting function>

[0093] If ice and snow adhere to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The car logo 14 shown, mainly the exterior decorative surface 14a, suffers from millimeter-wave attenuation, resulting in a decrease in the detection performance of the millimeter-wave radar device 13. Regarding this point, in this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the power supplied from device A is transmitted to the plug portion B and connector pin 45. Figure 2 and Figure 10 Heating wires 68 and 69 are shown.

[0094] (3-1) Each heating wire 68, 69, which receives an electrical supply, heats up due to the current flowing through it. A portion of the heat emitted by the heating wires 68, 69 is conducted to various parts, including the exterior decorative surface 14a of the vehicle emblem 14. This heat melts the ice and snow adhering to the aforementioned exterior decorative surface 14a, etc., and can suppress the decrease in detection performance of the millimeter-wave radar device 13 due to the adhesion of ice and snow.

[0095] (3-2) In particular, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the heating sheet 61, except for the hard coating 75, is located at the frontmost part of the car emblem 14. Therefore, the heat emitted by the heating wires 68 and 69 can be easily conducted to the exterior decorative surface 14a, which can efficiently melt the ice and snow attached to the exterior decorative surface 14a.

[0096] (4) Regarding the appearance of the car logo 14

[0097] If from the front of vehicle 10 Figures 3-6 When visible light shines on the car logo 14, it passes through the transparent hard coating 75 and illuminates the heating sheet 61. The visible light also passes through the main body 63 of the sheet substrate 62. Visible light illuminating the heating wires 68 and 69 is reflected, while unilluminated visible light passes through the transparent resin layer 51. Figures 1-4 As shown, the light in the visible light that passes through the transparent resin layer 51 and shines onto the glossy decorative layer 38 stacked on the inner annular protrusion 26 and the text protrusion 27 is reflected. In contrast, the light that passes through the transparent resin layer 51 and shines onto the outer annular portion 36 and the background portion 37 of the front substrate portion 35 is absorbed.

[0098] (4-1) Therefore, when viewing the logo 14 from the front, the inner annular protrusion 26, the letter protrusion 27, the outer annular portion 36, and the background portion 37 are visible behind them through the hard coating 75, the heated sheet 61, and the transparent resin layer 51. Furthermore, the outer annular portion 36 and the background portion 37 appear black, while the inner annular protrusion 26 and the letter protrusion 27 appear shiny. That is, against the black background of the outer annular portion 36 and the background portion 37, the inner annular protrusion 26 and the letter protrusion 27 appear metallic. In this way, the appearance of the logo 14 and its surrounding parts are improved through decoration.

[0099] (4-2) Furthermore, the resin substrate 22 is positioned further forward than the millimeter-wave radar device 13, thus covering and concealing the millimeter-wave radar device 13. Therefore, the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is difficult to see from the front of the vehicle emblem 14. Consequently, the appearance is improved compared to when the millimeter-wave radar device 13 is visible through the vehicle emblem 14.

[0100] (4-3) Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the dividing line 55 is located in front of the transparent resin layer 51, so it is possible to see the dividing line 55 from the front of the logo 14, which would result in a poor appearance.

[0101] If the main body 63 is minimized so that the dividing line 55 is located in front of the glossy decorative layer 38 stacked on the inner annular protrusion 26, then the dividing line 55 may be seen reflected onto the glossy decorative layer 38. Furthermore, if visible light passes through the main body 63 and is reflected by the glossy decorative layer 38, the visible light is bright, and therefore the dividing line 55 may become conspicuous.

[0102] In this embodiment, the dividing line 55 is located in front of the colored decorative layer 41 (outer annular portion 36). The gloss of the colored decorative layer 41 is lower than that of the glossy decorative layer 38. Therefore, it is difficult for the dividing line 55 to be seen reflected onto the colored decorative layer 41. In addition, even if visible light passes through the main body portion 63 and illuminates the colored decorative layer 41, the colored decorative layer 41 is darker than the glossy decorative layer 38, so the dividing line 55 is not easily noticeable.

[0103] (4-4) In particular, in this embodiment, the opening edge 53a of the recess 53 is located at the position that satisfies condition 1 above. Therefore, even if the total value of the deviations such as the shape of the component is the maximum value that can be selected, the dividing line 55 can be located in front of the colored decorative layer 41 (outer annular portion 36), and the effect of (4-3) above can be obtained.

[0104] (4-5) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer annular portion 36 constituting the colored decorative layer 41 has a black color that is darker than the glossy decorative layer 38. Therefore, when the logo 14 is viewed from the front, the dividing line 55 is confused with the black colored decorative layer 41 and is less likely to become more conspicuous.

[0105] The same effect can be achieved with dividing line 56. This is because dividing line 56 is located in front of the outer ring portion 36.

[0106] (4-6) In this embodiment, the portion of the main body 63 and the portion of the heating wires 68 and 69 disposed on the rear surface of the main body 63 is configured to have a recess 53 embedded in such a manner as to satisfy condition 2 above.

[0107] Therefore, as Figures 9-11 As shown, it is not easy for a step difference to occur between the front surface of the main body 63 and the general surface 54 around the recess 53 of the transparent resin layer 51. Therefore, when viewing the logo 14 from the front, the dividing line 55 is less noticeable compared to the case where a step difference occurs.

[0108] (4-7) In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the boundary portion 65a of the protrusion 65 and the portions of the heating lines 68 and 69 arranged on the rear surface of the boundary portion 65a are configured to have embedded grooves 59 in a manner that satisfies condition 3 described above. Therefore, it is less likely that a step difference will occur between the front surface of the boundary portion 65a and the general surface 54 and curved surface 58 surrounding the groove 59 of the transparent resin layer 51. Therefore, when viewing the logo 14 from the front, the dividing line 56 is less noticeable compared to a case where a step difference occurs.

[0109] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described above, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0110] (5-1) Regarding the decorative main body 21, the outer annular portion 36 is located radially outward than the inner annular protrusion 26, and the dividing line 55 is located in front of the outer annular portion 36. Therefore, the main body 63 is larger than when the dividing line 55 is located in front of the inner annular protrusion 26. Consequently, the area of ​​the rear surface of the main body 63, where the heating wires 68 and 69 are arranged, is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the heating wires 68 and 69 relative to the main body 63 is increased.

[0111] (5-2) Compared to the case where the main body 63 is arranged covering the entire front surface of the transparent resin layer 51, the main body 63 of this embodiment is smaller. Therefore, if the lengths of the heating wires 68 and 69 arranged relative to the main body 63 are the same, the heating efficiency is improved compared to the case where the main body 63 is arranged covering the entire front surface of the transparent resin layer 51. Moreover, the cost of the logo 14 can be reduced due to the miniaturization of the main body 63 and the improvement in heating efficiency.

[0112] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be implemented as variations thereof, as described below. The above-described embodiments and the following variations can be combined and implemented to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0113] <Regarding the main decorative section 21>

[0114] • The front substrate 35 can be changed to black or have a dark color such as dark blue.

[0115] • The curved surface 58 of the outer edge 57 can buckle relative to the general surface 54 with a greater degree of curvature than the general surface 54.

[0116] • A colored decorative layer 41 can be formed by screen printing, hot stamping, or other printing processes.

[0117] • The general surface 54 of the transparent resin layer 51 can be replaced by a flat surface instead of a curved surface.

[0118] • In the case where the recess 53 is provided in the transparent resin layer 51 as described in the above embodiment, as long as the general surface 54 is composed of at least the inner bottom surface of the recess 53 and the front surface of the surrounding portion of the recess 53 in the transparent resin layer 51, other surfaces can be added as the general surface 54.

[0119] ·exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the shape of the decorative main body 21 viewed from the front can be changed to a shape different from that described above, such as a circle, a polygon, etc.

[0120] • The recess 53 can be provided for the entire radial direction of the general part 52, or it can be provided only for a part of it.

[0121] • The recess 53 and the groove 59 of the transparent resin layer 51 are not necessarily essential structures, and at least one of them can be omitted.

[0122] • The curved surface 58 can be provided as a whole in the front-rear direction of the peripheral portion 57, or can be provided only in a part thereof.

[0123] <Regarding the heating sheet 61>

[0124] • In the case where the heating sheet 61 is provided on the front side of the decorative main body portion 21, the heating sheet 61 can be provided on the front side of the decorative main body portion 21, or can be provided on the rear side thereof. Figure 2 、 Figure 9 and ​ In the heating sheet 61, the protruding portion 65 of the sheet substrate 62 can extend from a different position from the above-described embodiment, such as a position below the above-described center O, a position above the center O, a position on the side of the center O, and the like, of the peripheral portion 63a of the main body portion 63.

[0125] • As the heating lines 68, 69, a wire composed of the above-described metal material such as copper, and a structure in which the wire is covered and protected by a synthetic resin covering portion can be used.

[0126] • The heating lines 68, 69 can be formed by performing a process of photolithography and a photomask mold on a foil of copper, silver, or the like attached to the sheet substrate 62 to remove unnecessary portions.

[0127] In addition, the heating lines 68, 69 can be formed by performing patterning on a metal film of copper, silver, or the like formed by plating on the sheet substrate 62 by etching.

[0128] • The number of the heating lines 68, 69 of the heating sheet 61 can be changed to one or a plurality of three or more.

[0129] • The heating lines 68, 69 of the main body portion 63 of the heating sheet 61 can be arranged in a different wiring pattern from the above-described embodiment.

[0130] <Regarding the hard coat layer 75>

[0131] • In the case where the sheet substrate 62 has a sufficient thickness on the basis of protection of the heating lines 68, 69 and the like, the hard coat layer 75 can be omitted.

[0132] <Other>

[0133] • The above-described vehicle exterior product can be applied to a vehicle exterior product in which the heating sheet 61 is assembled in a vehicle in which a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle is mounted, and is disposed in front of the decorative main body portion 21. In this case, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the device include millimeter waves, infrared rays, and the like.

[0134] • The device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting objects outside the vehicle can be a device for monitoring the rear, monitoring the front side, or monitoring the rear side, in addition to monitoring the front. In this case, the vehicle exterior is disposed in front of the device in the direction of transmission of the electromagnetic waves.

[0135] • The vehicle exterior described above can be assembled to a vehicle that does not have a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting objects outside the vehicle.

[0136] • The vehicle exterior described above can also be applied to a vehicle exterior that has a function of decorating a vehicle, such as a decoration, a logo, or the like, in addition to the emblem 14.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior trim, comprising: a decorative main body having a multi-layered structure stacked in a front-rear direction, configured to decorate a vehicle; and a heating sheet having a transparent sheet substrate and heating wires disposed on the sheet substrate, the heating wires generating heat by energizing, wherein... The decorative main body has a transparent resin layer at the foremost part, and a decorative layer behind it compared to the transparent resin layer. The transparent resin layer has: a general portion; and an outer edge portion surrounding the general portion. The front surface of the general part has a general surface composed of a plane or a curved surface. The outer edge has a curved surface that is bent or buckled to a greater degree than the general surface. The sheet substrate has: a main body portion disposed in front of the transparent resin layer; And a protrusion that extends from the periphery of the main body. The heating wire is installed in the main body and the protruding part, and receives power at the protruding part. The main body and the portion of the heating wire disposed in the main body are only located in front of the general surface, and not in front of the curved surface.

2. The vehicle exterior trim according to claim 1, wherein, The general portion has a recess that opens towards the front. At least a portion of the general surface is formed by the inner bottom surface of the recess and the front surface of the surrounding portion of the recess in the transparent resin layer. The heating wire is disposed on the rear surface of the main body relative to the main body. The main body and the portion of the heating wire disposed in the main body are configured such that the front surface of the main body and the general surface of the surrounding portion of the recess are on the same plane, and the recess is embedded therein.

3. The vehicle exterior trim according to claim 2, wherein, The transparent resin layer has a groove that extends from the recess and rearward through the outer edge. The heating wire is arranged on the rear surface of the boundary portion relative to the boundary between the protrusion and the main body portion. The boundary portion and the portion of the heating line disposed in the boundary portion are configured such that the front surface of the boundary portion and the general surface and the curved surface of the surrounding portion of the groove of the transparent resin layer are located on the same surface, so that the groove is embedded therein.

4. The vehicle exterior trim according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The decorative layer comprises: a glossy decorative layer having a glossy finish; and a colored decorative layer having a lower glossiness than the glossy decorative layer. The dividing line between the peripheral portion of the main body and the opening edge of the recess is located in front of the colored decorative layer.

5. The vehicle exterior trim according to claim 4, wherein, The colored decorative layer has a more intense color than the glossy decorative layer.

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