Vehicle trim member with contour light

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle trim component with contour light. The trim component (1) is produced as a material-bonded composite in a multi-component injection-molding process from at least two plastic components (3K, 4K), a first plastic component (3K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) being made of a material that is electroplatable or paintable and forming the trim component (1) and a second plastic component (4K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) being made of a material that is transparent or translucent and electroplating-inert and forming a contour light region that can be backlit by a light conductor element (20). The second plastic component (4K) is arranged adjoiningly to the first plastic component on the rear side of the first plastic component (3K) and partially covers the rear side of the first plastic component (3K). A component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) is responsible for fastening and fixing the light conductor element (20) arranged on the rear side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim component with outline lighting electroplated trim, which can be used in a vehicle together with a light conductor element installed therein for ambient lighting (e.g., radiator grille). Background Technology

[0002] A decorative element with outline lighting and electroplated decoration is known from DE102016100629A1. This decorative element is made of at least two plastic components as a material-locked composite. The first plastic component is electroplatable and forms the decorative element. At least one second plastic component is galvanoinert, undergoing the electroplating process uncoated and unchanged, and forming a translucent outline lighting area. A component segment made of the second plastic component spans, covers, or relates to the translucent outline lighting area and the rear side of the component segment of the first plastic component, the latter having a favorable effect on deformation or warping of the assembly. Fixing elements of the decorative element, such as hooks or latches, are formed from a non-electroplated component. Fastening or fixing of a light-emitting device mounted on the rear side and fixing of the decorative strip to a carrier are achieved on the non-electroplated second component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle trim component with contour lighting that can be constructed more compactly than prior art vehicle trim components and enables a fine contour lighting solution with high optical quality. Another objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle trim component with contour lighting, by which a compact vehicle trim component with high optical quality can be produced in a simple, reliable, and low-cost manner.

[0004] The task is accomplished by a vehicle trim component with features according to the invention and a method with features according to the invention.

[0005] A vehicle trim component with contour lighting is provided, which is more compact than existing technologies and can be manufactured as a composite with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This is achieved by manufacturing the trim component as a material-locked composite from at least two plastic components in a multi-component injection molding method. The first plastic component of the at least two plastic components is made of an electroplatable or paintable material and forms the trim component. The second plastic component of the at least two plastic components is made of a transparent or translucent, electroplatable inert material and forms a contour lighting area that is transparent to a light-conducting element. The second plastic component is disposed adjacent to and partially covers the rear side of the first plastic component. The vehicle trim component is characterized in that the component portion made of the first plastic component is responsible for fastening and securing the light-conducting element disposed on the rear side.

[0006] By having the second plastic component only partially cover the rear side of the first plastic component, which is made of an electroplatable or paintable material, the fastening and fixing of the optical conductor element located on the rear side can be partially handled by the component made of the first plastic component. This creates a larger structural space on the rear side of the decorative component, as the second plastic component only partially covers the rear side of the first plastic component. This allows for simpler manufacturing of the decorative component due to the increased structural space for tools. Furthermore, manufacturing is simplified in terms of demolding, as the component responsible for fixing the optical conductor element does not need to pass through the second plastic component. Additionally, dents or shrinkage cavities that affect the appearance can be reliably avoided. Moreover, the degree of freedom for fastening and fixing the optical conductor element is increased. Since the decorative component is not fixed using components of the second plastic component, the risk of optical defects in the contour light area due to mechanical deformation is reduced. This better ensures optical quality.

[0007] The first plastic component can be made, for example, from a copolymer containing butadiene. The second plastic component can be made from a transparent, translucent, or light-scattering amorphous polyamide (PA). In particular, polycarbonate (PC) can be used. Alternatively, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or cyclic olefin copolymers (COC) are conceivable as materials. Components made of polyamide (PA) or polycarbonate (PC) allow for light transmission, thereby enabling the desired contour lighting solution.

[0008] In a suitable embodiment, the photoconductor element is fixed by means of at least one tab pointing in the rearward direction. In addition to its mechanical function, the at least one tab pointing in the rearward direction of the decorative member can also perform a light-guiding function. For this purpose, the surface of the at least one tab can be provided with a corresponding reflective surface. This can be, for example, a material applied to the first plastic component during an electroplating or painting process.

[0009] According to another suitable embodiment, a material transition between the first and second plastic components is realized in the region of the material joint formed between a component portion made of a first plastic component and a component portion made of a second plastic component. This material transition extends continuously without abrupt changes in wall thickness. The continuous material transition enables the creation of a material-locked composite with approximately continuous thickness in the region of the material joint, thereby preventing material deflection or visually perceptible shrinkage cavities or depressions.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable to create a step with a height of at least 0.5 mm in the front region of the material joint. This ensures the achievement of a defined material transition, wherein the coating of the first plastic component extends precisely to, or exactly to, the material joint. This also enables high-quality optical performance.

[0011] Another suitable embodiment specifies that the component portion made of the first plastic component has a protective layer composite structure formed by at least one paint layer on its front side. This allows for not only the desired adjustment of optical properties but also provides mechanical protection. Thus, the decorative component can be used not only as an interior part of a vehicle but also as an exterior part.

[0012] Another suitable embodiment specifies that, alternatively or additionally, the contour light area has a protective layer composite structure formed of at least one paint layer on its front side. In particular, the protective layer composite structure can also provide a protective layer adapted to various environmental conditions.

[0013] Another suitable embodiment specifies that the first paint layer is made of a tackifying, transparent, or dyed translucent material, and is applied to the component portion and / or contour light area made of the first plastic component without any other intermediate layer. Special optical effects, such as staining or metallization, can be achieved by means of the first paint layer.

[0014] Preferably, the second paint layer is made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material. In one variation, the second paint layer can be applied directly over the first paint layer. In another variation, the second paint layer can be applied directly, i.e., without the first layer, to the component portion and / or contoured area made of the first plastic component. The second paint layer primarily provides protective properties to withstand external environmental conditions.

[0015] According to another suitable embodiment, a composite formed by component parts made of a first plastic component and component parts made of a second plastic component is manufactured together with an internal component carrier by adhesive bonding or welding. This connection simultaneously achieves a seal between the rear side of the vehicle trim component and the internal component carrier.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle trim component of the above type with contour light according to one or more embodiments thereof. The following steps are performed within the scope of the manufacturing:

[0017] In the first step a), a bond is established between a first plastic component made of an electroplatable or paintable material and a second plastic component made of a transparent or translucent, electroplating-inert material in a multi-component injection molding method. Then, in step b), the composite produced in step a) is electroplated or painted, wherein the electroplated or painted layer is formed only on the first plastic component. The area formed by the electroplating-inert second plastic component remains exposed, thereby achieving a translucent contour light area. In step c), the electroplated or painted composite undergoes a front surface treatment.

[0018] The method according to the invention provides a vehicle trim component with high surface quality and high strength relative to wear and environmental impact.

[0019] According to a suitable embodiment, the surface treatment includes activating, or in other words, the front surface of the composite with low-pressure plasma in a plasma apparatus. Preferably, the surface treatment includes activating the front surface in the plasma apparatus under a negative pressure of 0.15 mbar and with water vapor as the process gas.

[0020] Furthermore, it is suitable that the surface treatment includes: providing a protective layer composite structure formed of at least one paint layer on the front side of the component portion of the electroplated or painted composite made of the first plastic component. Alternatively or additionally, the surface treatment particularly includes: providing a protective layer composite structure formed of at least one paint layer on the front side of the contour light area.

[0021] Suitablely, a first paint layer made of a tackifying, transparent, or dyed translucent material is applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite, more specifically, to the component portions and / or contour areas made of the first plastic component without any other intermediate layer. Alternatively or additionally, a second paint layer made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material may be applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] The only accompanying drawing shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle trim member with contour lighting according to the invention, which is constructed, for example, as a frame for a radiator grille as an external component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The vehicle trim component is an electroplated decorative component 1 and is manufactured into a composite material bonded together by two plastic components, 3K and 4K. The plastic components 3K and 4K are thus held together by atomic or molecular forces. This bond is inseparable. This bond is established using a known multi-component injection molding method.

[0025] One of the two plastic components (hereinafter referred to as the first plastic component 3K) is made of a plated or paintable material. It forms the decorative component 1. In this embodiment, the first plastic component 3K is made, for example, of a butadiene-containing copolymer. Other materials are also conceivable, as long as they are plated or paintable.

[0026] Another plastic component (hereinafter referred to as the second plastic component 4K) is electroplating inert. In the sense of this invention, this can be understood as the second plastic component 4K undergoing the electroplating or painting process uncoated and unchanged. Therefore, during the electroplating or painting process, no metal deposits or coatings are deposited on the second plastic component 4K.

[0027] The component portion 4, made of the second plastic component 4K, forms a translucent contour light region 2. In this embodiment, the second plastic component 4K spans, covers, or relates to a portion of the rear component section of the first plastic component 3K. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second plastic component 4K forms the rear side of the upper section of the component portion 3 made of the first plastic component 3K, while the lower section of the component portion 3 is not covered by the second plastic component 4K.

[0028] The second plastic component 4K is made of transparent, translucent, or light-scattering amorphous polyamide (PA). Preferably, plastic component 4K is made of polycarbonate (PC). Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) may also be used.

[0029] In cross-section, the decorative member 1 is generally horizontally arranged in a "U" shape. A light conductor element 20 is disposed on the rear side 5 of the decorative member, which can be considered the "internal space" of the decorative member 1. The light conductor element 20 is held or fixed by a component section of the lower segment of the component part 3 made of the first plastic component 3K. For this purpose, for example, the tab portion 21 of the light conductor element 20 is connected to the component section of the component part 3, which is constructed as a tab portion 6. Further, a light conductor holding element 22 is provided on the rear side, which is fixed to the internal component carrier 23 on the side opposite to the contour light region 2 by means of an adhesive, such as a bonding agent. To provide the largest possible connection surface, the light conductor holding element 22 has a segment opposite to the contour light region 2, which protrudes through the sealing device 4, for example, toward the internal component carrier 23.

[0030] The rear ends 17 and 18 of the composite formed by component parts 3 and 4 are connected to the internal component carrier 23, and this connection 24 is preferably achieved by adhesive or welding. Alternatively, a locking connection (detachable or non-detachable) may be provided. A seal can be achieved through the connection 24, which is only schematically shown at the rear end 17, thereby sealing the light conductor element 20, which is surrounded between the decorative component 1 and the internal component carrier 23, to protect it from environmental influences.

[0031] The internal component carrier 23 is also used to house the cable 26 and to fix the decorative grille 27, such as the radiator grille of a vehicle. In this case, the decorative component 1 forms, for example, the frame of the radiator grille or the decorative grille 27, or is part of the radiator grille.

[0032] As described above, the component portion 3, made of the first plastic component 3K, is U-shaped. In this embodiment, the component portion 4, made of the second plastic component 4K, is only provided on the upper section of the component portion 3. A tab for fixing the optical conductor element 20 is provided on the lower part of the component portion 3, especially without passing through or protruding through the component portion 4. In a modification, the component portion 4, made of the second plastic component 4K, may be provided only on the lower section of the component portion 3. In this case, the tab for fixing the optical conductor element 20 will be provided on the upper part of the component portion 3, especially without passing through or protruding through the component portion 4.

[0033] To achieve a seamless appearance on the front side 13 of the decorative component, material transition portions 7 and 10 of the first plastic component 3K and the second plastic component 4K are formed in the region of the material joints 8 and 11 between the component portion 3 made of the first plastic component 3K and the component portion 4 made of the second plastic component 4K, such that the material transition portions are continuous and without abrupt changes in wall thickness. Furthermore, step portions 9 and 12 with a height of at least 0.5 mm are respectively formed in the front region of the material joints 8 and 11, thereby preventing warping during injection molding and simultaneously achieving a uniform coating of the first plastic component 3K during electroplating or painting.

[0034] The material transition section, which is achieved continuously without abrupt changes in wall thickness, is generated by the approximately constant wall thickness of the composite component.

[0035] By constructing the fixing piece on the lower section of component part 3 (in this embodiment) where the second plastic component 4K is not provided, simple manufacturing can be achieved, especially simple installation of molds and demolding tools.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative component 1 has a protective layer composite structure 14 formed by two paint layers 15 and 16 on its front side. In this embodiment, the protective layer composite structure 14 is applied both to the component portion 3 made of the first plastic component 3K and to the component portion 4 made of the second plastic component 4K, i.e., the contour light region 2. This is not mandatory; more precisely, the protective layer composite structure may be applied only to the component portion 3 or only to the contour light region 2.

[0037] The protective layer composite structure 14 includes a first paint layer 15 made of a tackifying, transparent, or dyed translucent material, which is applied to the component portion 3 made of a first plastic component 3K and the contour light region 2 without any other intermediate layers. Special effects can be achieved by means of the dyed translucent material. In particular, the component portion 3 can be, for example, colored or metallic-dyed. A second paint layer 16 is made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material and forms the outermost layer of the protective layer composite structure 14.

[0038] The decorative component according to the invention is manufactured in a manner known per se. First, a bond is established between the two plastic components 3K and 4K in a two-component injection molding method. Electroplating or painting is then performed, with the electroplated or painted layer deposited only on the electroplatable first plastic component 3K. The area formed by the electroplated, inert second plastic component 4K (the contour area) remains exposed, thereby achieving a translucent contour area 2. The contour area 2 and the component area to be electroplated are geometrically configured such that, during electroplating, the deposited layer or during painting, the paint layer is clearly and precisely outlined until the material joint of the two plastic components 3K and 4K is constructed.

[0039] Since the vehicle trim components are external parts, the front surface of the electroplated or painted composite is subsequently treated. First, the front surface is activated in a plasma apparatus using low-pressure plasma, particularly at a negative pressure of 0.15 mbar, and with water vapor as the process gas. Then, a protective layer composite structure formed by at least one paint layer 15, 16 is applied. Preferably, paint layer 15, which serves as a tackifying layer, is applied first; this paint layer may optionally be transparent or have a translucent color.

[0040] Next, a second paint layer 16 is applied. This second paint layer is transparent and forms the outer surface. This second paint layer meets the requirements for mechanical and chemical stability.

[0041] List of reference numerals

[0042] 1 Decorative components

[0043] 2 Contour Light

[0044] 3. Component parts made of the first plastic component

[0045] 3K First Plastic Component

[0046] 4. Component parts made of the second plastic component

[0047] 4K Second Plastic Component

[0048] 5 rear side

[0049] 6. Fixing part (joining part)

[0050] 7 First Material Transition Section

[0051] 8 First material joint

[0052] 9 First Step

[0053] 10 Second Material Transition Section

[0054] 11 Second material joint

[0055] 12 Second Step Section

[0056] 13 Front

[0057] 14-layer composite structure

[0058] 15 First coat of paint

[0059] 16 Second coat of paint

[0060] 17. The rear end of the composite formed by component parts 3 and 4

[0061] 18 The rear end of the composite formed by component parts 3 and 4

[0062] 20 Optical Conductor Elements

[0063] 21. Connector section of optical conductor element

[0064] 22 Optical Conductor Holding Element

[0065] 23 Internal Component Carrier

[0066] 24 seals

[0067] 25 Adhesive

[0068] 26 cable

[0069] 27 decorative grilles

Claims

1. A vehicle decorative component with contour lighting, wherein, The decorative component (1) is manufactured as a material-locked composite from at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) in a multi-component injection molding method. The first plastic component (3K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) is made of a material capable of electroplating or painting and forms the decorative component (1). The second plastic component (4K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) is made of a transparent or translucent, electroplating-inert material and forms a contour light region that can be illuminated by a photoconductor element (20). The second plastic component (4K) is disposed adjacent to and partially covers the rear side of the first plastic component (3K). The decorative component (1) is characterized in that... The component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) is responsible for fastening and fixing the optical conductor element (20) disposed on the rear side. At least one first contact part (6) pointing in the rear direction is constructed on the component part (3). The optical conductor element is fixed by means of the first contact part (6) in such a way that the first contact part (6) extends toward the second contact part (21) of the optical conductor element and the first contact part is connected to the second contact part (21). The second contact part is configured as an elongated contact part extending from the surface of the optical conductor element toward the component part (3). The first contact part can realize the light guiding function. The surface of the first contact part is provided with a corresponding reflective surface.

2. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light conductor holding element is provided on the rear side. The light conductor holding element is fixed to the internal component carrier on the side away from the contour light area by means of an adhesive. The light conductor holding element has a section that points away from the contour light area.

3. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the region of the material joint formed between the component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) and the component part (4) made of the second plastic component (4K), the material transition (7, 10) of the first plastic component (3K) and the second plastic component (4K) is realized continuously and without abrupt changes in wall thickness.

4. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 3, characterized in that, A step (9, 12) with a height of at least 0.5 mm is created in the front region of the material joint (8, 11).

5. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) has a protective layer composite structure (14) formed by at least one paint layer (15, 16) on the front side.

6. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contour light area has a protective layer composite structure (14) formed by at least one paint layer (15, 16) on the front side.

7. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first paint layer (15) of the at least one paint layer (15, 16) is made of a tackified, transparent or dyed translucent material, and the first paint layer is applied to the component portion (3) and / or contour light area made of the first plastic component (3K) without any other intermediate layer.

8. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second paint layer (16) of the at least one paint layer (15, 16) is made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material.

9. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The composite formed by the component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) and the component part (4) made of the second plastic component (4K) is made together with the internal component carrier (23) by adhesive or welding.

10. A method for manufacturing a vehicle trim component having a contour light (2), wherein, The decorative component (1) is manufactured as a material-locked composite from at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) in a multi-component method. The first plastic component (3K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) is made of a material capable of electroplating or painting and forms the decorative component (1). The second plastic component (4K) of the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K) is made of a transparent or translucent, electroplated inert material and forms a contour light region that can be illuminated by the photoconductor element (20). The second plastic component (4K) is disposed adjacent to and partially covers the rear side of the first plastic component (3K) on the rear side of the first plastic component (3K). The component part (3) made of the first plastic component (3K) is responsible for fastening and fixing the optical conductor element (20) disposed on the rear side. At least one first contact portion (6) pointing in the rearward direction is constructed on the component part (3). The optical conductor element is fixed by means of the first contact portion (6) in such a way that the first contact portion (6) extends toward the second contact portion (21) of the optical conductor element and connects the first contact portion with the second contact portion (21). The second contact portion is configured as an elongated contact portion extending from the surface of the optical conductor element toward the component part (3). The first contact portion can perform a light guiding function, and the surface of the first contact portion is provided with a corresponding reflective surface. The method includes the following steps: a) In a multi-component injection molding method, a connection is established between a first plastic component (3K) made of a material capable of electroplating or coating or painting and a second plastic component (4K) made of a transparent or translucent and electroplating inert material in the at least two plastic components (3K, 4K); b) Electroplating or painting the composite produced in step a), wherein the electroplated or painted layer is formed only on the first plastic component (3K); c) Perform front surface treatment on composites that have been electroplated or painted.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The surface treatment includes activating the front surface with low-pressure plasma in a plasma device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The surface treatment includes activating the front surface in the plasma device under a negative pressure of 0.15 mbar and with water vapor as the process gas.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The surface treatment includes: providing a protective layer composite structure (14) formed by at least one paint layer (15, 16) on the front side of a component part (3) of an electroplated or painted composite made of a first plastic component (3K).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The surface treatment includes: providing a protective layer composite structure (14) formed by at least one paint layer (15, 16) on the front side of the contour light area.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, A first paint layer (15) made of a tackified, transparent or dyed translucent material is applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite, more precisely to the component part (3) and / or contour light area made of the first plastic component (3K) in the absence of other intermediate layers.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, A first paint layer (15) made of a tackified, transparent or dyed translucent material is applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite, more precisely to the component part (3) and / or contour light area made of the first plastic component (3K) in the absence of other intermediate layers.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, A second paint layer made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material is applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite (16).

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, A second paint layer made of a transparent and mechanically and chemically stable material is applied to the front side of the electroplated or painted composite (16).

19. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, A light conductor holding element is provided on the rear side. The light conductor holding element is fixed to the internal component carrier on the side away from the contour light area by means of an adhesive. The light conductor holding element has a section pointing away from the contour light area.

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