Vehicle trim member

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of vehicle decoration component, wherein the decoration piece (1) is provided with heating element (30), base component (10).The heating element (30) is formed by the first sheet and the second sheet (51, 52) stacked together and the heating wire (50) is placed between the first sheet and the second sheet.The heating element (30) is provided with main part and extension (62).Extension (62) has power connection part (80) connecting heating wire (50) with power line (78), and extends to the back (10b) of base component (10), and power line (78) forms the power supply path for heating element.By bonding the second sheet (52) to the base component (10), the main part of the heating element (30) is fixed to the laying surface of the base component (10).In power connection part (80), the second sheet (52) is not stacked on the first sheet (51), so that the heating wire (50) is exposed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201880062273.5, application date September 7, 2018, and invention title "Vehicle Decorative Components". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a vehicle decorative component. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, heating elements can be provided in vehicle trim components such as front trim pieces. The heating element is provided to melt and remove ice and snow accumulated on the design surface of the trim component. For example, the trim component disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure that serves as a vehicle emblem for decorating the front grille. A radio wave transmission area is provided on the design surface of the trim component, through which radio waves from a radar device installed in the vehicle pass. In conventional examples, the trim component includes a heating element that heats up when energized, thereby raising the temperature of the base component forming the design surface.

[0004] That is, ice and snow accumulating on the surface of the design attenuate radio waves, thus potentially reducing the detection performance of radar devices installed inside the trim components. In view of this, in the trim components of the prior art described above, ice and snow in the radio wave transmission area are removed by heating elements. Therefore, high radar detection performance can be ensured even during snowfall or at low temperatures where rainwater accumulated on the vehicle may freeze.

[0005] In the decorative component disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sheet-shaped heating element constructed by holding a heating wire in a sheet is used. Therefore, the process including the step of laying the heating element on the base component is convenient.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-215242 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0010] However, in vehicles, improvements in the assemblability of all components have facilitated reductions in manufacturing costs. Existing decorative components cannot always meet the evolving demands of vehicles that evolve daily. Therefore, further improvements are desired.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle trim component in which a heating element can be easily assembled using a simple construction.

[0012] Problem Solving Methods

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, a vehicle trim component is provided, comprising: a heating element formed by stacking a first sheet and a second sheet and placing a heating wire heated by electricity between the first sheet and the second sheet; a base member including a mounting surface for the heating element on a front side forming a design surface; and a circuit board including power lines forming a power supply path for the heating element and fixed to the back side of the base member. The heating element includes: a main body fixed to the mounting surface; and an extension including a power connection portion for connecting the heating wire to the power lines, extending to the back side of the base member. The main body is fixed to the mounting surface by fixing the second sheet to the base member. In the power connection portion, the heating wire is exposed in such a way that the second sheet is not stacked on top of the first sheet.

[0014] According to the above structure, with the heating wire protected by the first and second sheets, the main body of the heating element can be easily fixed to the laying surface. In this state, the extension is wound from the front to the back of the base member, thus allowing the power connection portion exposing the heating wire to face the circuit board fixed to the back of the base member. The second sheet is not stacked in the power connection portion. Therefore, the heating wire can be made in close contact with the power line provided on the circuit board. As a result, the heating wire can be easily and reliably connected to the power line. In particular, according to the above structure, since the adhesion between the heating wire and the power line is high, soldering can be easily performed when such a connection is made using soldering. Therefore, the heating element can be easily assembled with a simple structure.

[0015] In the aforementioned vehicle trim components, it is preferable that the second sheet is an adhesive sheet that has adhesive strength to the base component.

[0016] According to the above structure, the heating element can be easily and reliably fixed to the base component.

[0017] In the aforementioned vehicle trim components, it is preferable to have a hole in the power connection portion that extends through the first sheet to expose the heating wire.

[0018] Based on the above structure, the heating wire can be connected to the power cord more easily and stably.

[0019] In the aforementioned vehicle decorative components, the first sheet and the second sheet are preferably transparent sheets.

[0020] The above structure ensures excellent design.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] According to the present invention, heating elements can be easily assembled with a simple construction. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a decorative element disposed on the front grille of a vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the decorative element according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the decorative element according to the first embodiment (along...). Figure 2 (The section taken from section III-III).

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the heating element according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view (rear view) of the decorative element according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view (rear view) showing the decorative element according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a circuit board fixed to the back of a base component according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a decorative element disposed on the front grille of a vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the decorative element according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a circuit diagram showing a heating element and a thermostat for raising the temperature of the base component of the decorative piece according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the decorative element according to the second embodiment (along...). Figure 9 (The section cut off by XI-XI in the diagram).

[0034] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of a decorative element according to a second embodiment, which shows a thermostat and a thermostat retainer.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the back of the decorative piece according to the second embodiment, which is equipped with a thermostat.

[0036] Figure 14This is a rear view showing a decorative element according to the second embodiment, which shows the retaining part of the thermostat.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the illustrative structure of a vehicle with a radio wave transmission shield according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a front view showing a radio wave transmission cover according to a third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a side sectional view showing a radio wave transmission cover according to a third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 18A This is a schematic diagram (front view) showing the wiring of the heating wire in the heating element disposed in the radio wave transmission cover according to the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 18B This is a schematic diagram (bottom view) showing the wiring of the heating wire in the heating element disposed in the radio wave transmission cover according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the heating element according to the third embodiment, and is along... Figure 18A The cross-sectional view taken by line XIX-XIX in the middle.

[0043] Figure 20A This is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) showing the connection structure of the heating element according to the third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 20B This is a schematic diagram (top view) showing the connection structure of the heating element according to the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram showing a variation of the connection structure of the heating element according to the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another variation of the heating element connection structure according to the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the illustrative structure of a vehicle with a radio wave transmission shield applied according to the fourth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a front view showing the radio wave transmission cover of the fourth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 25 This is a side sectional view showing a radio wave transmission cover according to the fourth embodiment.

[0050] Figure 26This is a schematic front view showing a heat-conducting sheet disposed on a radio wave transmission cover according to the fourth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 27A This is a cross-sectional view showing the heat-conducting sheet according to the fourth embodiment, and is along... Figure 26 The sectional view taken by line α-α in the diagram.

[0052] Figure 27B This is a cross-sectional view showing the heat-conducting sheet according to the fourth embodiment, and is along... Figure 26 A cross-sectional view taken by line β-β in the diagram.

[0053] Figure 28 This is a front view showing the car logo in the fifth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 29 This shows the edge of the car emblem according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 28 The diagram shows the cross-sectional structure taken from line XXIX-XXIX and an explanation of the millimeter-wave radar device.

[0055] Figure 30 It is shown Figure 29 An enlarged view of range A in the image.

[0056] Figure 31 This is a front view showing the heating element removed from the car emblem according to the fifth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 32 This is a front view showing the heating element removed from the car logo in the sixth embodiment.

[0058] Figure 33 This is an enlarged view showing the connection portion of the heating element in the sixth embodiment.

[0059] Figure 34 This is an enlarged view showing the connection portion of the heating element in the seventh embodiment.

[0060] Figure 35 This is an enlarged view showing the connection portion of the heating element in the eighth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0061] <First Embodiment>

[0062] Now refer to Figures 1 to 7 A vehicle trim component according to a first embodiment is described. The vehicle trim component is a trim piece having a structure for a vehicle emblem.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the trim piece (front trim piece) 1 is configured as a vehicle trim component. The trim piece 1 has a structure that serves as the emblem 4 of the front grille 3 of the vehicle 2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the trim piece 1 includes a base member 10, which is formed into a laterally elongated elliptical shape and has a generally flat shape. The trim piece 1 is fixed to the front grille 3 of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the front of the base member 10 facing the vehicle 2 ( Figure 1 The design surface S1 is formed on the front 10a (left side) of the decorative element 1. The decorative element 1 has a seal display portion 11 at the central part of the elliptical design surface S1. The seal display portion 11 displays the car logo 4 as a character or graphic seal. In this embodiment, by providing the seal display portion 11 in the radio wave transmission area A1, the decorative element 1 serves as a radio wave transmission shield 20.

[0064] In detail, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, vehicle 2 includes a radar device 21. The radar device 21 is disposed inside the front grille 3 and behind the location where the vehicle emblem 4 is located. Figure 1 (Right side of the image). That is, the radar device 21 transmits millimeter waves to the front of the vehicle 2 and receives reflected waves through the radio wave transmission area A1 set on the design surface S1 of the decorative part 1 forming the car logo 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 2 detects obstacles existing in front of the vehicle 2 or measures the distance between vehicles.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the decorative element 1 includes a sheet-like heating element 30. The heating element 30 generates heat by being energized, thereby raising the temperature of the base component 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heating element 30 is laid on the front surface 10a of the design surface S1 of the base component 10 that forms the decorative element 1. That is, in this embodiment, the decorative element 1 uses the heating element 30 to raise the temperature of the front surface 10a of the base component 10. Therefore, ice and snow accumulated on the design surface S1 having the radio wave transmission area A1 can be removed.

[0066] More in detail, such as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the base component 10 is constructed by stacking a transparent base component 41 and a black base component 42 in the trim component 1. In this embodiment, in the trim component 1, the transparent base component 41 forms the front 10a of the base component 10, and the black base component 42 forms the back 10b of the base component 10. That is, in the trim component 1, the black base component 42 is located in front of the transparent base component 41 facing the vehicle ( Figure 3 In the state of being attached to the front grille 3 of vehicle 2 (see left side) Figure 1The decorative element 1 has a decorative layer 43 formed between the transparent base member 41 and the black base member 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, the seal of the car logo 4 can be three-dimensionally displayed inside the design surface S1 formed by the transparent base member 41 in the decorative element 1.

[0067] In this embodiment, in the decorative element 1, the transparent base component 41 is made of polycarbonate (PC). The black base component 42 is made of copolymer (AES). The decorative layer 43 is made of indium (In). In this embodiment, in the decorative element 1, the base component 10 is formed using this radio wave transmissive material. Therefore, the millimeter waves of the radar device 21 pass through the radio wave transmissive region A1 set on the design surface S1.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating element 30 includes a heating wire 50, a first sheet 51, and a second sheet 52. The heating wire 50 generates heat when energized. The first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 are stacked to place the heating wire 50 therebetween.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 in the heating element 30 have a transparent sheet 53 formed of a transparent plastic such as polycarbonate (PC). The second sheet 52 serves as an adhesive sheet 55 that has adhesive force to the base component 10 (41, 42) of the decorative element 1. In this embodiment, the heating element 30 is fixed to the front surface 10a of the base component 10, which forms the design surface S1 of the decorative element 1, by fixing the second sheet 52 to the front surface 10a of the base component 10.

[0070] In detail, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating element 30 includes a main body 61 and an extension 62 extending from the main body 61. The main body 61 is fixed to the front surface 10a of the base member 10, which is configured as a laying surface 10s. In this embodiment, in the heating element 30, the main body 61 is formed into a laterally elongated elliptical shape that is substantially the same as the front surface 10a of the forming design surface S1 of the base member 10. The extension 62 extends from the lower end of the main body 61 (see...) Figure 2 , Figure 2 The extension 62 extends radially outward from the lower end of the base member 10 (where the heating element 30 is fixed). The extension 62 is arranged to wrap around the front 10a of the base member 10, to which the heating element 30 is fixed, toward the back 10b. The extension 62 is electrically connected to the circuit board (printed board) 70 fixed to the back 10b of the base member 10. Therefore, in the decorative element 1 of this embodiment, a power supply path L1 for the heating element 30 is established (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0071] More in detail, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the decorative component 1 of this embodiment, a retaining portion 73 holds the circuit board 70. The retaining portion 73 is provided on the back surface 10b of the base component 10. In the decorative component 1 of this embodiment, two joining portions 75 (a total of four joining portions 75) for the front grille 3 are respectively provided at the upper end 10u and lower end 10l of the back surface 10b of the base component 10. The retaining portion 73 of the circuit board 70 is provided between the two joining portions 75 located at the lower end 10l. The retaining portion 73 is arranged side by side with the screw stop portion 76 of the front grille 3.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the heating element 30 in this embodiment includes a power connection portion 80 located at the end 62a of the extension 62. In the power connection portion 80, the second sheet 52 is not stacked on the first sheet 51, and the heating wire 50 is exposed. The circuit board 70 in this embodiment includes a power line 78. The power line 78 forms a power supply path L1 for the heating element 30 by connecting to the vehicle's power supply 77 via a wiring harness 71 (see...). Figure 1 In the decorative component 1 of this embodiment, with the heating wire 50 soldered to the power cord 78, the power connection portion 80 of the heating element 30 is connected to the circuit board 70.

[0073] Specifically, in the heating element 30 of this embodiment, the extension 62 wound toward the back surface 10b of the base member 10 extends toward the circuit board 70, such that the first sheet 51 faces the rear surface of the base member 10. Figure 7 (Right side of the middle). Therefore, in the power connection portion 80 provided at the end 62a of the extension 62, on the side opposite to the back surface 10b of the base member 10 ( Figure 7 The heating wire 50 exposed on the left side of the circuit board 70 is in direct contact with the power line 78 on the circuit board 70.

[0074] In the heating element 30 of this embodiment, a hole 81 is provided in the power connection portion 80, extending through the first sheet 51 and exposing the heating wire 50. In the decorative part 1 of this embodiment, the heating wire 50 of the heating element 30 is soldered to the power line 78 of the circuit board 70 through the hole 81.

[0075] That is, in this embodiment, the heating element 30 is positioned such that the hole 81 provided on the power connection portion 80 overlaps with the circuit board 70. The heating wire 50 and the power line 78 are soldered together through the hole 81. Therefore, the soldering portion 82 is arranged in the hole 81.

[0076] In this embodiment, a thermostat 72, serving as an overheat protection element, is mounted on the circuit board 70. Therefore, if overheating is detected in the base component 10, the power supply to the heating element 30 is cut off.

[0077] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0078] (1) The decorative component 1 includes a heating element 30, a base component 10, and a circuit board 70. The heating element 30 is constructed by stacking a first sheet 51 and a second sheet 52 and placing a heating wire 50 between the first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52. The heating wire 50 generates heat when energized. The base component 10 has a laying surface 10s for the heating element 30 on the front side 10a of the design surface S1. The circuit board 70 has a power line 78, which forms a power supply path L1 for the heating element 30, and the circuit board 70 is fixed to the back side 10b of the base component 10. The heating element 30 includes a main body 61 and an extension 62. The main body 61 is fixed to the laying surface 10s of the base component 10. The extension 62 has a power connection 80 for connecting the heating wire 50 to the power line 78 and extends to the back side 10b of the base component 10. In the heating element 30, the main body 61 is fixed to the laying surface 10s by fixing the second sheet 52 to the base member 10. In the power connection part 80, the heating wire 50 is exposed in such a way that the second sheet 52 is not stacked on the first sheet 51.

[0079] According to the above configuration, with the heating wire 50 protected by the first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52, the main body 61 of the heating element 30 can be easily fixed to the laying surface 10s. In this state, the extension 62 is wound from the front side 10a of the base member 10 toward the back side 10b, thus allowing the power connection portion 80 exposing the heating wire 50 to face the circuit board 70 fixed to the back side 10b of the base member 10. The second sheet 52 is not stacked in the power connection portion 80. Therefore, the heating wire 50 can be made to make close contact with the power line 78 provided on the circuit board 70. As a result, the heating wire 50 can be easily and reliably connected to the power line 78. In particular, according to the above configuration, since the adhesion between the heating wire 50 and the power line 78 is high, soldering can be easily performed. Therefore, the heating element 30 can be easily assembled with a simple configuration.

[0080] By setting the front surface 10a of the base component 10 as the laying surface 10s for the heating element 30, ice and snow accumulated on the design surface S1 of the decorative element 1 can be efficiently melted and removed. The circuit board 70 and components (such as wire harness 71) of the power supply path L1 connected to the circuit board 70 can be hidden on the back surface 10b of the base component 10 (i.e., the rear surface of the decorative element 1). Therefore, excellent design performance can be ensured, and the dimensions along the design surface S1 direction can be reduced.

[0081] (2) The second sheet 52 serves as an adhesive sheet 55 that has adhesive force to the base component 10. Therefore, the heating element 30 can be easily and reliably fixed to the base component 10.

[0082] (3) A hole 81 is provided in the power connection part 80, which extends through the first sheet 51 and exposes the heating wire 50.

[0083] According to the above structure, the heating wire 50 can be connected to the power cord 78 more easily and reliably. In particular, when welding the heating wire 50, the power connection portion 80 can be easily positioned, and the welding operation can be performed from the side where the first sheet 51 is located via the hole portion 81. The welding portion 82 formed in the above manner is arranged in the hole portion 81. Therefore, the connection state between the heating wire 50 and the power cord 78 can be stably maintained.

[0084] (4) The first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 are constructed as transparent sheets 53. Therefore, excellent design performance can be ensured.

[0085] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined, as long as the combined modifications maintain technical consistency with each other.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the decorative element 1 has a structure that serves as a car emblem 4 for decorating the front grille 3 of the vehicle 2. A sealant display portion 11 is provided on the design surface S1 of the decorative element 1. The sealant of the car emblem 4 is displayed at the sealant display portion 11. By providing the sealant display portion 11 in the radio wave transmission area A1, the decorative element 1 functions as a radio wave transmission cover 20. A heating element 30 is laid on the front surface 10a of the forming design surface S1 of the base member 10. Therefore, the temperature of the radio wave transmission area A1 can be increased.

[0087] However, the arrangement of the vehicle trim component is not limited to the above description. For example, the arrangement of the vehicle trim component can be any component such as a rear trim piece. The radio wave transmission area A1 does not necessarily need to coincide with the seal display part 11. The shape of the trim component 1 can be changed to any shape. The trim component 1 does not necessarily form the vehicle emblem 4 of the vehicle 2. The trim component 1 does not necessarily need to function as a radio wave transmission cover 20, as long as the trim component 1 includes a heating element 30 capable of raising the temperature of the base component 10.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the base component 10 is constructed by stacking a transparent base component 41 and a black base component 42. A decorative layer 43 is provided between the transparent base component 41 and the black base component 42. However, for example, a colored base component matching the vehicle body color, other than black, may be superimposed on the transparent base component 41. A decorative layer 43 is not necessarily required. The base component 10 may have a single-layer structure. The base component 10 is not necessarily translucent.

[0089] The transparency of the transparent base component 41 can be varied to any value. That is, for example, a translucent base component 41 can be used, as long as the base component 41 is semi-transparent. Similarly, the transparency of each sheet (51 and 52) of the heating element 30, which has a structure as a transparent sheet 53, can be varied to any value. For example, each sheet (51 and 52) can have a structure that matches the color of the base component 10 on which the heating element 30 is laid. At least one of the sheets (51 and 52) does not necessarily need to have a structure like that of a transparent sheet 53.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the second sheet 52 functions as an adhesive sheet 55 that has adhesive force to the base member 10. However, for example, the second sheet 52 can be fixed to the base member 10 by thermal welding. The second sheet 52 can be fixed to the base member 10 using an adhesive.

[0091] The heating element 30 includes a main body 6 and an extension 62 extending from the main body 61. The main body 61 is fixed to the front side 10a of the base member 10. The extension 62 is wound from the front side 10a of the base member 10 toward the back side 10b. A power connection 80 is provided at the end 62a of the extension 62. However, the extension 62 does not necessarily have to be wound from the front side 10a of the base member 10 toward the back side 10b. For example, the extension 62 may extend in the direction along the front side 10a of the base member 10. The laying surface 10s for the heating element 30 (the main body 61) on the base member 10 may be provided in a location other than the front side 10a of the base member 10 (e.g., the back side of the transparent base member 41).

[0092] In the above embodiment, the decorative element 1 includes a circuit board 70 fixed to the back surface 10b of the base component 10. In the heating element 30, the circuit board 70 and the power connection portion 80 are electrically connected to each other by soldering the heating wire 50 to the power line 78 provided on the circuit board 70. However, the connection between the heating wire 50 and the power line 78 does not necessarily have to be soldered. For example, the power line 78 and the heating wire 50 can be electrically connected to each other by pressing the heating wire 50 against the power line 78. The fixed position of the circuit board 70 is not limited to the back surface 10b of the base component 10. The circuit board 70 does not necessarily serve as a component of the power supply path L1 of the heating element 30. For example, a connector component that mates with the end 62a of the extension 62 where the power connection portion is provided can be used. In this case, the second sheet 52 does not necessarily have to be fixed to the base component 10. For example, the first sheet 51 can be used as an adhesive sheet 55 and fixed to the base component 10.

[0093] Next, the technical ideas that can be obtained from the above embodiments and variations will be described.

[0094] A vehicle trim component, comprising:

[0095] Base components that form the designed surface;

[0096] The heating element is constructed by stacking a first sheet and a second sheet, and inserting a heating wire that generates heat when energized between the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0097] The heating element includes:

[0098] The main body, which is fixed to the laying surface provided on the base component, and

[0099] The power connection part is used to connect the heating wire to a power line that forms a power supply path for the heating element, and the heating wire is exposed in the power connection part in such a way that the second sheet is not stacked on the first sheet.

[0100] <Second Embodiment>

[0101] Now refer to Figures 8 to 14 A vehicle trim component according to a second embodiment is described. The vehicle trim component is a decorative piece having a structure for a vehicle emblem.

[0102] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the trim piece (front trim piece) 101 is configured as a vehicle trim member. The trim piece 101 has a structure that serves as a vehicle emblem 104 decorating the front grille 103 of the vehicle 102. Specifically, in this embodiment, the trim piece 101 includes a base member 110, which is formed in a laterally elongated elliptical shape and has a generally flat shape. The trim piece 101 is fixed to the front grille 103 of the vehicle 102, so the base member 110 faces the front of the vehicle 102 (…). Figure 8 The design surface S2 is formed on the front side 110a (left side of the design surface S2). The decorative element 101 has a seal display portion 111 at the central portion of the elliptical design surface S2. The seal display portion 111 displays a seal of a car logo 104 designed as characters or graphics. In this embodiment, by providing the seal display portion 111 in the radio wave transmission area A2, the decorative element 101 serves as a radio wave transmission cover 120.

[0103] In detail, such as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, vehicle 102 includes radar device 121. Radar device 121 is disposed inside the front grille 103 and behind the location where the vehicle emblem 104 is located. Figure 8 (Right side of the image). That is, the radar device 121 transmits millimeter waves to the front of the vehicle 102 and receives reflected waves through a radio wave transmission area A2 set on the design surface S2 of the decorative piece 101 forming the emblem 104. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 102 detects obstacles present in front of the vehicle 102 or measures the distance between vehicles.

[0104] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the decorative element 101 includes a heating element 130. The heating element 130 generates heat by being energized, thereby raising the temperature of the base member 110. Specifically, the heating element 130 has a sheet-like shape and is constructed, for example, by covering a wiring layer formed using copper or the like with a plastic film. In this embodiment, the heating element 130 is arranged on the front surface 110a of the design surface S2 of the base member 110, which forms the decorative element 101. That is, in this embodiment, the decorative element 101 uses the heating element 130 to raise the temperature of the front surface 110a of the base member 110. Therefore, ice and snow accumulated on the design surface S2, which has a radio wave transmission area A2, can be removed.

[0105] like Figures 8 to 10As shown, in the decorative component 101 of this embodiment, a thermostat 135, serving as an overheat protection element, is provided on the base component 110. Specifically, the thermostat 135 is provided on the back surface 110b of the base component 110. The thermostat 135 is connected in series with the heating element 130 in the power supply path L2 for the heating element 130. The thermostat 135 detects overheating of the base component 110 and stops energizing the heating element 130. Therefore, in the decorative component 101 of this embodiment, the temperature of the base component 110 can be appropriately maintained.

[0106] More in detail, such as Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the base member 110 is constructed by stacking a transparent base member 141 and a black base member 142 in the trim member 101. In this embodiment, in the trim member 101, the transparent base member 141 forms the front side 110a of the base member 110, and the black base member 142 forms the back side 110b of the base member 110. That is, in the trim member 101, the transparent base member 141 faces the front of the vehicle (… Figure 11 In the state of (left side of the image), the black base component 142 is attached to the front grille 103 of the vehicle 102 (see left side of the image). Figure 8 The decorative element 101 has a decorative layer 143 formed between the transparent base member 141 and the black base member 142. Therefore, in this embodiment, the seal of the car logo 104 can be three-dimensionally displayed inside the design surface S2 formed by the transparent base member 141 in the decorative element 101.

[0107] In this embodiment, in the decorative element 101, the transparent base component 141 is made of polycarbonate (PC). The black base component 142 is made of copolymer (AES). The decorative layer 143 is made of indium (In). In this embodiment, in the decorative element 101, the base component 110 is formed using this radio wave transmissive material. Therefore, the millimeter waves of the radar device 121 pass through the radio wave transmissive region A2 set on the design surface S2.

[0108] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the decorative element 101 in this embodiment includes a retaining portion 150 for a thermostat 135 on the back surface 110b of the base member 110 (specifically, at the generally elliptical edge portion 110e). In the decorative element 101 of this embodiment, two joining portions 151 for the front grille 103 are respectively provided at the upper end portion 110u and the lower end portion 110l of the edge portion of the back surface 110b of the base member 110 (a total of four joining portions). The retaining portion 150 for the thermostat 135 is disposed between the two joining portions 151 located at the lower end portion 110l. The retaining portion 150 is arranged side by side with the screw stop portion 152 for the front grille 103.

[0109] In this embodiment, the thermostat 135 has an external shape that is generally rectangular and flat. The thermostat 135 is mounted on a printed circuit board 155 together with a wiring harness 153 forming the power supply path L2 for the heating element 130 (see...). Figure 10 In the decorative component 101 of this embodiment, the thermostat 135 is held by the holding portion 150 provided on the back side 110b of the base component 110 so as to be integrated with the printed circuit board 155.

[0110] In detail, such as Figures 12 to 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the thermostat 135 is mounted on the printed circuit board 155 such that the plate-shaped main surfaces of the thermostat 135 and the printed circuit board 155 are substantially parallel to each other. The thermostat 135 is assembled with a retaining portion 150 provided on the back side 110b of the base member 110 so as to be integrated with the printed circuit board 155 and the wire harness 153, such that the flat main surface of the thermostat 135 is substantially parallel to the back side 110b of the base member 110. In the thermostat 135 of this embodiment, along the direction from the back side 110b of the base member 110 toward the front side 110a (see... Figure 11 , Figure 11 The first flat surface 135s facing to the left has the highest thermal sensing accuracy.

[0111] In this embodiment, the retaining part 150 includes a plurality of ribs 156, in which the ribs 156 clamp the thermostat 135 in the vertical direction (see...). Figure 11 The retaining part 150 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) retaining pins 157 protruding from the back side 110b of the base member 110. The printed circuit board 155 is provided with a plurality of through holes 158, and the corresponding retaining pins 157 are inserted into the through holes 158.

[0112] In the holding part 150, by heating the end of the fixing pin 157 inserted into the through hole 158 in the printed circuit board 155, the end of the fixing pin 157 is melted, and the end of the fixing pin 157 can be fixed. Therefore, in the decorative part 101 of this embodiment, the thermostat 135 is fixed to the holding part 150 in a manner that is integral with the printed circuit board 155.

[0113] like Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the retaining portion 150 has a width direction along the base member 110 ( Figure 14An upper wall portion 161 extends in the left-right direction. The upper wall portion 161 is disposed above ribs 156 arranged in two levels. Each level of rib 156 includes a plurality of ribs 156 arranged in the width direction. The retaining portion 150 includes a pair of side wall portions 162 and 163 on the outer side of the ribs 156 in the width direction. The pair of side wall portions 162 and 163 are connected to the upper wall portion 161 in the left-right direction. Figure 14 Extending in the vertical direction of the base member 110. An auxiliary wall 164 extending in the vertical direction of the base member 110 is provided next to one of the side wall portions 162 and 163. The auxiliary wall 164 is positioned closer to the rib 156 in the width direction than the side wall portion 163. Figure 14 (Right side of the image). In the holding portion 150 of this embodiment, the wire harness 153 extending from the printed circuit board 155 is led downward from the gap between the auxiliary wall 164 and the side wall portion 163.

[0114] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 is laid on the front surface 110a of the forming design surface S2 of the base member 110 by thermally fusing a sheet-like plastic film. The heating element 130 in this embodiment includes a main body 171 and an extension 172. The main body 171 is fixed to the front surface 110a of the base member 110. The extension 172 extends radially outward from the main body 171 to form a connection portion for the power supply path L2. The main body 171 is positioned downwards from the extension 172 (…). Figure 11 In the state of being fixed to the front side 110a of the base member 110 (the lower side of the base member 110), the extension 172 is arranged to be wound from the front side 110a to the back side 110b of the base member 110 at the edge position of the holding portion 150 where the thermostat 135 is provided on the base member 110, that is, at the lower end 110l of the base member 110.

[0115] That is, the decorative element 101 in this embodiment includes a heating element 130, which, when viewed from the thermostat 135 provided on the back surface 110b of the base component 110, is located on the side corresponding to the front and lower sides of the vehicle. Figure 11 (Left and lower sides of the base component 110). Therefore, the heating element 130 is wound around the lower end 110l of the base component 110 from the lower side, where the thermostat 135 is located. Therefore, the thermostat 135 can detect overheating of the base component 110 with high precision.

[0116] In this embodiment, the decorative member 101 has an upper wall portion 161 of the retaining portion 150. When viewed from the thermostat 135 held at the lower end 110l of the back surface 110b of the base member 110, the upper wall portion 161 is on the upper side (see...). Figure 14 , Figure 14The upper side of the upper wall 161. The side wall portions 162 and 163 (auxiliary wall 164) of the retaining portion 150 are respectively arranged on the upper wall portion 161 in the width direction. Figure 14 The printing plate 155 is arranged on the opposite side of the upper wall 161 (in the left-right direction). Figure 11 (Right side of the image). That is, when viewed from the thermostat 135, the wall members 180 adjacent to the thermostat 135 are arranged in four directions where heating elements 130 are not positioned. In the decorative member 101 of this embodiment, as described above, the wall members 180 surround the thermostat 135. Therefore, the thermostat 135 can detect overheating of the base member 110 with higher accuracy.

[0117] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0118] In the prior art, there is a decorative component for a vehicle that includes a heating element for melting and removing ice and snow that has accumulated on the surface of the design (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-215242).

[0119] In this type of decorative component in the prior art, the energization of the heating element is controlled by a control device located in the vehicle. Therefore, the temperature of the base component is appropriately maintained.

[0120] However, when the energization of the heating element is controlled externally to the decorative component, as described above, there is a possibility that the temperature of the base component cannot be properly maintained, for example, due to problems with the control device or short circuits between wiring. Therefore, the reliability of the decorative component may be reduced.

[0121] To address the aforementioned issues, the vehicle trim component includes a base component, a heating element, and an overheat protection element. The base component forms the designed surface. The heating element generates heat when energized, causing the temperature of the base component to rise. The overheat protection element detects overheating of the base component and stops energizing the heating element.

[0122] According to the above structure, for example, even if a short-circuit fault in the wiring causes current to continue flowing in the heating element, the overheat protection element can detect the overheating of the base component caused by this situation and cut off the power supply to the heating element. Therefore, high reliability can be ensured by properly maintaining the temperature of the base component.

[0123] In the vehicle trim component that solves the above problems, it is preferable that the heating element is laid on the front side of the forming design surface of the base component, and the overheat protection element is arranged on the back side of the base component.

[0124] According to the above structure, by increasing the temperature of the design surface, ice and snow accumulated on the design surface can be melted and removed efficiently and quickly. In this structure, the overheat protection element detects the temperature rise of the base component on the back side where the heating element is located. Therefore, excessive operation of the overheat protection element can be avoided, i.e., frequent repeated power-on and power-off can be prevented. Thus, higher reliability can be ensured. In addition, by concealing the overheat protection element on the back side of the base component, high design performance can be ensured.

[0125] In the vehicle trim component that solves the above problems, it is preferable that the overheat protection element is provided at the edge of the base component, and the heating element is provided at the edge position where the overheat protection element is provided, in a manner that the heating element is wound from the front to the back of the base component.

[0126] According to the above structure, the heating element is wound around the edge of the base component where the overheat protection element is located. Therefore, overheating of the base component can be detected with high precision.

[0127] The vehicle trim component that solves the above problem preferably includes a wall component that, when viewed from the overheat protection element, is adjacent to the overheat protection element in the direction where no heating element is positioned.

[0128] Based on the above structure, overheating of the base component can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0129] In the vehicle trim component that solves the above problems, it is preferable to set a radio wave transmission area on the design surface, and the heating element is configured to raise the temperature of the radio wave transmission area.

[0130] According to the above structure, ice and snow accumulated on the radio wave transmission area can be melted and removed. Therefore, for example, attenuation of radio waves (such as millimeter waves from radar devices installed in vehicles) transmitted and received through the radio wave transmission area due to ice and snow accumulation on the design surface can be avoided.

[0131] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail.

[0132] (1) The decorative component 101, which is a vehicle decorative component, includes a base component 110, a heating element 130, and a thermostat 135 as an overheat protection element. The base component 110 forms a design surface S2. The heating element 130 heats up when energized, thereby raising the temperature of the base component 110. The thermostat 135 detects overheating of the base component 110 and cuts off the energization of the heating element 130.

[0133] According to the above configuration, for example, even if a short-circuit fault in the wiring causes current to continue flowing in the heating element 130, the thermostat 135 can detect the overheating of the base component 110 caused by this situation and cut off the power supply to the heating element 130. Therefore, high reliability can be ensured by properly maintaining the temperature of the base component 110.

[0134] (2) The heating element 130 is laid on the front side 110a of the forming design surface S2 of the base component 110. The thermostat 135 is disposed on the back side 110b of the base component 110.

[0135] According to the above configuration, by raising the temperature of the design surface S2, the ice and snow accumulated on the design surface S2 can be melted and removed efficiently and quickly. In this configuration, the thermostat 135 detects the temperature rise of the base component 110 on the back side where the heating element 130 is located. Therefore, over-operation of the thermostat 135, i.e., frequent repeated power-on and power-off, can be avoided. Thus, higher reliability can be ensured. In addition, by concealing the thermostat 135 on the back side of the base component 110, high design performance can be ensured.

[0136] (3) The thermostat 135 is provided at the lower end 110l of the edge portion 110e of the base member 110 and is located on the back side 110b of the base member 110. The heating element 130 is provided at the edge position where the thermostat 135 is provided, i.e., at the lower end 110l of the base member 110, in a manner that is wound from the front side 110a toward the back side 110b.

[0137] According to the above configuration, when viewed from the thermostat 135 provided on the back side 110b of the base member 110, the heating element 130 is located on the side corresponding to the front portion of the vehicle with the positioning design surface S2, and on the side corresponding to the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the heating element 130 is wound around the lower end 110l of the base member 110 where the thermostat 135 is provided from the lower side. Therefore, overheating of the base member 110 can be detected with high precision.

[0138] (4) When viewed from the thermostat 135, the wall components 180 (155 and 161 to 164) adjacent to the thermostat 135 are arranged in the direction where the heating element 130 is not positioned. Therefore, overheating of the base component 110 can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0139] (5) A radio wave transmission region A2 is provided on the design surface S2. The heating element 130 is configured to raise the temperature of the radio wave transmission region A2.

[0140] According to the above structure, ice and snow accumulated on the radio wave transmission area A2 can be melted and removed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid attenuation of radio waves (such as millimeter waves of the radar device 121 disposed in the front grille 103) transmitted and received through the radio wave transmission area A2 due to ice and snow accumulated on the design surface S2.

[0141] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined, as long as the combined modifications maintain technical consistency with each other.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the base component 110 is constructed by stacking a transparent base component 141 and a black base component 142. A decorative layer 143 is provided between the transparent base component 141 and the black base component 142. However, for example, a colored base component matching the vehicle's body color, other than black, may be superimposed on the transparent base component 141. The decorative layer 143 is not mandatory. The base component 110 may have a single-layer structure.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the decorative element 101 has a structure that serves as a car emblem 104 on the front grille 103 of the decorative vehicle 102. A sealant display portion 111 is provided on the design surface S2 of the decorative element 101. The sealant of the car emblem 104 is displayed at the sealant display portion 111. By providing the sealant display portion 111 in the radio wave transmission area A2, the decorative element 101 serves as a radio wave transmission cover 120. A heating element 130 is laid on the front surface 110a of the forming design surface S2 of the base member 110. Therefore, the temperature of the radio wave transmission area A2 can be increased.

[0144] However, the arrangement of the vehicle trim component is not limited to the above description. For example, the arrangement of the vehicle trim component can be any component such as a rear trim piece. The radio wave transmission area A2 does not necessarily need to coincide with the seal display 111. The shape of the trim component 101 can be changed to any shape. The trim component 101 does not necessarily form the vehicle emblem 104 of the vehicle 102. The trim component 101 does not necessarily need to function as a radio wave transmission shield 120, as long as the trim component 101 includes a heating element 130 capable of raising the temperature of the base component 110.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the heating element 130 has a sheet-like shape. The heating element 130 is disposed on the front side 110a of the base member 110. The thermostat 135 is disposed on the back side 110b of the base member 110. However, for example, the heating element 130 can be embedded in the base member 110 by placing it between the transparent base member 141 and the black base member 142. The heating element 130 can be disposed on the back side 110b of the base member 110. The heating element 130 can be constructed by combining a heating unit that generates heat by energizing and a heat-conducting unit that conducts the heat generated by the heating unit.

[0146] The position of the thermostat 135 can be changed to any position. For example, in the above embodiment, the thermostat 135 is located at the lower end 110l on the back surface 110b of the base member 110. However, the edge position of the base member 110 where the thermostat 135 is located can be changed to any position, such as the upper end 110u. The shape of the heating element 130 and the type (shape, thermal directionality, etc.) of the thermostat 135 can be changed to any shape and any type.

[0147] The heating element 130 includes a main body 171 and an extension 172 extending radially outward from the main body 171. The main body 171 is fixed to the front side 110a of the base member 110. The extension 172 is configured to wrap around the lower end 110l (edge ​​position) of the base member 110, where the thermostat 135 is located, from the front side 110a toward the back side 110b of the base member 110. Therefore, when viewed from the thermostat 135 provided on the back side 110b of the base member 110, the heating element 130 is located on the side corresponding to the front of the vehicle with the design surface S2 positioned thereon, and on the side corresponding to the lower side.

[0148] However, for example, when viewed from the thermostat 135, the extension 172 can be arranged to wrap around the heating element 130 at the rear of the vehicle. When viewed from the thermostat 135, the heating element 130 can be arranged to wrap such that the heating element 130 is also positioned along the width direction. That is, preferably, the heating element 130 is arranged in at least two directions in total, namely, a first direction intersecting the design surface S2 and a second direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, when viewed from the thermostat 135, the heating element 130 can be positioned in three or more directions. The heating element 130 does not necessarily need to have a portion such as the extension 172 that wraps from the front side 110a of the base member 110 toward the back side 110b.

[0149] In the above embodiment, when viewed from the thermostat 135, the wall members 180 (155 and 161 to 164) are adjacent to the thermostat 135 in four directions corresponding to the upper side of the vehicle, the opposite sides along the width direction, and the rear side, that is, in directions where the heating element 130 is not arranged. However, when viewed from the thermostat 135, there may be directions where the heating element 130 is not positioned and where no adjacent wall member 180 is provided. It is not necessary to provide a wall member 180 adjacent to the thermostat 135.

[0150] There may be locations in the base component 110 where overheating can easily occur due to the energization of the heating element 130. Examples of such locations include areas where the sheet-like shape of the heating element 130 is bent and locations with high wiring density. In such cases, a thermostat can be installed at the location. Therefore, overheating of the base component 110 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0151] The heating element 130 can be constructed by combining a heating unit that generates heat by being energized and a heat-conducting unit that conducts the heat generated by the heating unit.

[0152] <Third Embodiment>

[0153] Now refer to Figures 15 to 22 The connection structure of the heating element according to the third embodiment is described.

[0154] First, the overall structure of the vehicle with the radio wave transmission cover to which the heating element of this embodiment is applied will be described.

[0155] like Figure 15 As shown, the radio wave radar device R3 is mounted at the front of the vehicle. Figure 15 As indicated by the arrow, radio wave radar device R3 projects signals towards the front of the vehicle ( Figure 15 The vehicle radiates radio waves (millimeter waves) on its left side and measures the reflected waves to detect the vehicle's surroundings.

[0156] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the radio wave transmission shield 210 is attached to the front of the vehicle. The radio wave transmission shield 210 is the part away from the radio wave radar device R3, that is, the side near the outer side of the vehicle ( Figure 15 The left side of the middle and Figure 16 The portion (front side of the paper in the image) is designated as the outer wall of the vehicle and the external components of the design section (the so-called vehicle emblem). The radio wave transmission cover 210 has a generally elliptical plate shape. The radio wave transmission cover 210 is arranged in front of the radio wave radar device R3 to block the radio wave path of the radio wave radar device R3. Figure 15 (The arrow in the image). Using the radio wave transmission cover 210, the radio wave radar device R3 is hidden when viewed from outside the vehicle.

[0157] Next, the structure of the radio wave transmission cover 210 will be described.

[0158] like Figure 17 As shown, the radio wave transmission shield 210 has a side closer to the inside of the vehicle ( Figure 17 Starting from the right side of the image, a multi-layered structure is arranged sequentially, consisting of an inner surface cover plate 211, a coating 212, a metal film layer 213, and an outer surface cover plate 214. Figure 17 In this paper, for ease of understanding, the thickness of coating 212 and metal film 213 are magnified relative to their actual thicknesses.

[0159] The inner surface cover 211 is formed of acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene plastic (AES plastic). The coating 212 is formed of black acrylic coating material. The metal film layer 213 is an island-shaped film made of indium. The outer surface cover 214 is formed of transparent polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic).

[0160] AES plastic (inner surface cover 211), acrylic coating material (coating 212), and PC plastic (outer surface cover 214) are all radio wave transmittance materials that allow radio waves to pass through. The island-shaped film (metal film layer 213) made of indium also has radio wave transmittance. Therefore, the inner surface cover 211, coating 212, metal film layer 213, and outer surface cover 214 of the radio wave transmittance shield 210 all have radio wave transmittance that allows radio waves to pass through.

[0161] The heating element 220, located on the side of the radio wave transmission shield 210 near the outer side of the vehicle, is made of transparent polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic). The heating wire 230, described later, is installed in the heating element 220.

[0162] The radio wave transmission cover 210 has a structure in which a black coating 212, a metallic film layer 213, and a transparent outer surface cover 214 are sequentially stacked from the side closest to the vehicle's interior. A transparent heating element 220 is stacked on the side of the radio wave transmission cover 210 closest to the vehicle's exterior. Therefore, as... Figure 16 As shown, in the radio wave transmission cover 210, when viewed from outside the vehicle, a metallic pattern (metallic film layer 213) (in this embodiment, the outline and the character A) on a black background (coating 212) can be visually identified.

[0163] like Figure 15 , Figure 17 , Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, the heating element 220, on which the heating wire 230 is installed, is located on the side of the radio wave transmission cover 210 near the outer side of the vehicle. Figure 17(Left side of the middle). Heating element 220 is at the end ( Figure 15 and Figure 17 The right side of the heating element 230 is connected to connector 240. Connector 240 is connected to battery B3 via switch S3. When switch S3 is turned on, heating wire 230 is energized, thereby heating element 220.

[0164] The heating element 220 is made of transparent polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic). The pattern of the radio wave transmitting shield 210 arranged on the side closer to the interior of the vehicle can be visually identified through the heating element 220. The heating element 220 has radio wave transmittance that allows radio waves to pass through.

[0165] Next, the structure of the heating element 220 will be described.

[0166] like Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, the heating element 220 includes a main body 221 and an extension 222. The main body 221 is arranged to cover the front side (outer surface of the vehicle) of the radio wave transmission shield 210. The extension 222 extends from the main body 221 and is arranged from the outer edge of the radio wave transmission shield 210 toward the back side of the radio wave transmission shield 210. The entire radio wave transmission shield 210 near the outer side of the vehicle is covered by the main body 221 of the heating element 220. The end of the extension 222 reaches the interior of the vehicle on the side of the radio wave transmission shield 210 near the interior of the vehicle.

[0167] like Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 19 As shown, the heating element 220 includes a heating wire 230 and two membranes 220a and 220b. The heating wire 230 is located between the membranes 220a and 220b.

[0168] The heating wire 230 is made of copper foil. There is no particular limitation on the diameter of the heating wire, and it can be appropriately set within a range that is not noticeable when viewed from outside the vehicle and does not impair the design of the radio wave transmission shield 210. The diameter of the heating wire 230 is preferably, for example, about 10 to 80 μm.

[0169] The wiring pattern of the heating wire 230 can also be appropriately set. However, the wiring pattern is preferably set to a wiring pattern that makes it difficult for radio waves to pass through the heating wire 230 and to exhibit the radio wave transmission capability of the radio wave transmission cover 210.

[0170] The film thickness of the heating element 220 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set within a range that does not impair the design of the radio wave transmission shield 210 and does not affect the radio wave transmittance of the radio wave transmission shield 210. The film thickness of the heating element 220 is preferably, for example, about 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Figure 19 In this example, for ease of understanding, the diameter of the heating wire 230 is enlarged relative to its actual diameter.

[0171] The heating element 220 is formed as follows. First, as... Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, the heating wire 230 is formed by etching or printing a predetermined pattern on the front side of one of the two films 220a and 220b. The two films 220a and 220b are then joined together to place the heating wire 230 between the two films 220a and 220b. Figure 17 As shown, the heating element 220 is integrally formed with the radio wave transmission cover 210. At this time, the main body 221 of the heating element 220 is arranged to cover the side of the outer surface cover plate 214 near the outer side of the vehicle. Figure 17 The entire portion (left side of the image). The extension 222 of the heating element 220 extends into the vehicle interior via the lower edge of the radio wave transmission shield 210 on the side of the radio wave transmission shield 210 closest to the vehicle interior.

[0172] like Figure 18B and Figure 19 As shown, the end of the heating wire 230 extends from the extension 222 of the heating element 220. The end of the heating wire 230 serves as connection terminals 231 and 232 connected to the power supply side terminals of the battery B3. Therefore, the connection terminals 231 and 232 at the end of the extension 222 of the heating element 220 are located inside the vehicle.

[0173] Next, the connection structure between the connection terminals 231 and 232 of the heating element 220's heating wire 230 and the power supply side terminal of the battery B3 will be described.

[0174] like Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown, two connector pins 241 and 242 are disposed within the connector 240 located on the power supply side. Crimped terminals 242 and 242, serving as power supply side terminals, are attached to the ends of connector pins 241 and 241, respectively. Figure 19 As shown, the connection terminals 231 and 232 extending from the extension 222 of the heating element 220 are led out between the two membranes 220a and 220b and exposed to the outside.

[0175] like Figure 20A and Figure 20BAs shown, the portion from the end of extension 222 to connecting terminals 231 and 232 is crimped to crimp terminals 242 and 242, and thus connecting terminals 231 and 232 are connected to crimp terminals 242 and 242. The interior of connector 240 is filled with potting plastic P3. The connection between connecting terminals 231 and 232 and crimp terminals 242 and 242 is included in potting plastic P3. Therefore, the portion from the end of extension 222 of heating element 220 to connector pin 241 is fixed by plastic potting.

[0176] The connection structure of the heating element 220 is formed as follows. First, the portion from the end of the extension 222 to the connecting terminals 231 and 232 is aligned with the crimp terminals 242 and 242, respectively. Then, the crimp terminals 242 and 242 are respectively fastened to the portions of the two metal pins 243 provided on the crimp terminals 242 and 242. Therefore, the portion from the end of the extension 222 of the heating element 220 to the connecting terminals 231 and 232 is crimped at the ends of the connector pins 241 and 241 and engaged with the crimp terminals 242 and 242.

[0177] Then, plastic potting is performed by injecting potting plastic P3 into connector 240. Plastic potting in connector 240 is performed such that the portion from the end of the extension 222 of heating element 220 to the crimp terminals 242 of connector pins 241 and 241 is covered with plastic. There are no particular limitations on the material of potting plastic P3. Known polyurethane plastics, silicone plastics, etc., can be used as the material for potting plastic P3.

[0178] Next, the operation of the connection structure of the heating element 220 in this embodiment will be described.

[0179] like Figure 15 As shown, when switch S3 is turned on, current from battery B3 is supplied to connector 240. In connector 240, connection terminals 231 and 232 extending from the extension 222 of heating element 220 are crimped to crimp terminals 242 and 242 at the ends of connector pins 241 and 241, and thus connection terminals 231 and 232 are connected to crimp terminals 242 and 242. Therefore, the current supplied to connector pins 241 and 241 of connector 240 is supplied to heating wire 230 disposed in the main body 221 of heating element 220 through connection terminals 231 and 232 extending from the extension 222 of heating element 220. Therefore, heating wire 230 is heated to generate heat, and the vehicle exterior surface of radio wave transmission cover 210 warms up.

[0180] The interior of connector 240 is filled with potting plastic P3. This prevents water from penetrating into the area surrounding the joint, including the portion from the end of extension 222 to the end of connector pin 241. Therefore, a sealing performance of the joint is ensured.

[0181] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0182] In the prior art, it is known that radio wave radar devices are installed on vehicles such as automobiles. Radio wave radar devices detect obstacles or measure the distance between vehicles by radiating radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves and measuring the reflected waves.

[0183] If such a radio wave radar device were placed exposed at the front of the vehicle, it could compromise the vehicle's design. Therefore, for example, the radio wave radar device is positioned on the side of a radio wave transmission cover (such as a car emblem) (one of whose surfaces forms the outer surface of the vehicle) closer to the inside of the vehicle, and thus the radio wave radar device is obscured by the radio wave transmission cover when viewed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0184] If ice beads accumulate at low temperatures on the front surface of the radio wave transmission shield, or if water droplets or rainwater formed from melted ice beads accumulate on the front surface of the radio wave transmission shield, the attenuation of radio waves increases when they pass through the shield. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the radio wave radar device may decrease. In view of these problems, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-132921 proposes attaching a heating wire to the radio wave transmission shield. By energizing the heating wire, the radio wave transmission shield is heated, and thus the ice beads or water accumulated on the shield can be melted and removed. Therefore, the front surface of the radio wave transmission shield can be kept dry, and the effects of ice beads or water droplets can be suppressed.

[0185] To heat the radio wave transmission hood by energizing it, a connection terminal on the heating wire side of the hood needs to be connected to a power supply terminal. This configuration needs to be considered to prevent water droplets, ice beads, etc., from affecting the connection between the heating wire side connection terminal and the power supply terminal. However, the invention described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-132921 does not describe how to establish a connection between the heating wire side connection terminal and the power supply terminal. Furthermore, it does not consider improvements to the sealing and waterproofing of the connection between the heating wire side connection terminal (which is wired within the radio wave transmission hood) and the power supply terminal.

[0186] The heating element connection structure that solves the above problems is a structure on a radio wave transmission radome arranged in the radio wave path of a radio wave radar device. The heating element includes two plastic films and a heating wire placed between the plastic films. The heating element has a main body and an extension. The main body is located on the front side of the radio wave transmission radome. The extension extends beyond the outer edge of the radio wave transmission radome to the back side of the radome. A connection terminal at the end of the heating wire, located in the extension, connects to a power supply terminal located on the back side of the radio wave transmission radome. Plastic potting is applied around the connection between the connection terminal and the power supply terminal.

[0187] According to the above structure, with the heating wire placed between two plastic films, the heating element has an extension that extends beyond the outer edge of the radio wave transmission cover to the back side of the cover. Therefore, a connection between the connection terminal at the end of the heating wire and the power supply terminal is provided on the back side of the radio wave transmission cover. Thus, the connection is less likely to be affected by water droplets, ice beads, etc., from outside the vehicle. The connection terminal at the end of the heating wire in the extension of the heating element connects to the power supply terminal on the back side of the radio wave transmission cover, and the area around this connection is plastic-encapsulated. This improves the sealing performance of the connection between the connection terminal at the end of the heating wire and the power supply terminal. This suppresses moisture penetration into the connection caused by water droplets, ice beads, etc., and improves the water resistance of the connection between the heating element and the power supply terminal.

[0188] In the above configuration, preferably, the connecting terminal is a heating wire led out from the extension, the power supply side terminal is a crimp terminal provided at the end of the connector pin in the connector, the extension and the connecting terminal led out from the extension are crimped to the crimp terminal, and the interior of the connector is plastic potted.

[0189] In the above configuration, preferably, the connecting terminal is a heating wire led out from the extension, the power supply side terminal is the end of the wire harness provided in the connector, the connecting terminal is engaged with the end of the wire harness and the substrate, and the area around the portion from the extension to the wire harness is encapsulated with plastic.

[0190] In the above configuration, preferably, the power supply side terminal is the end of the wire harness provided on the connector, the connection terminal is crimped to the end of the wire harness and the eyelet terminal, and the portion from the extension to the wire harness is encapsulated with plastic.

[0191] These preferred configurations will be described below.

[0192] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail.

[0193] (1) In this embodiment, the heating element 220 disposed in the radio wave transmission cover 210 is constructed by placing a heating wire 230 between two films 220a and 220b made of PC plastic parts. The heating element 220 includes a main body portion 221 disposed on the front side of the radio wave transmission cover 210 and an extension portion 222 extending through the lower edge of the radio wave transmission cover 210 into the vehicle interior. The ends of the heating wire 230 extending from the extension portion 222 (as connection terminals 231 and 232 of the heating wire 230) are connected to crimp terminals 242 and 242 at the ends of connector pins 241 and 241 in the connector 240 disposed on the vehicle interior side of the radio wave transmission cover 210. Plastic potting is performed around the connection portion between the connection terminals 231 and 232 and the crimp terminals 242 and 242.

[0194] Therefore, the connection between connecting terminals 231 and 232 and crimp terminals 242 and 242 is located inside the vehicle of the radio wave transmission cover 210. Thus, the connection is less likely to be affected by water droplets, ice beads, etc., from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, plastic potting improves the sealing of the connection. This suppresses moisture penetration into the connection caused by water droplets, ice beads, etc., and improves the waterproofness of the connection structure of the heating element 220 located in the radio wave transmission cover 210.

[0195] (2) In this embodiment, in the connection structure of the heating element 220 provided in the radio wave transmission cover 210, the portion from the end of the extension 222 of the heating element 220 to the connection terminals 231 and 232 is crimped by the crimp terminals 242 and 242. This suppresses the occurrence of the connection terminals 231 and 232 being exposed to the outside air, thereby suppressing the influence of moisture.

[0196] The above embodiments can be modified as follows, and these modifications can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the connection terminals 231, 232 of the heating element 220 are fixed by being crimped to the crimp terminals 242, 242 located at the ends of the connector pins 241, 241 in the connector 240. However, the connection structure is not limited to the above description.

[0198] For example, such as Figure 21As shown, connecting terminals 231 and 232 extending from the end of extension 222 and wire harnesses 244 and 244 extending from connector 240 are soldered to substrate 250. Connecting terminals 231 and 232 are electrically connected to wire harnesses 244 and 244 via solder layer 260. The portion from the end of extension 222 to the portion of wire harnesses 244 and 244 is fixed by plastic potting. Even in this connection structure, the sealing performance of the connection between connecting terminals 231 and 232 and wire harnesses 244 and 244 is improved by plastic potting. This suppresses the occurrence of moisture penetration into the connection caused by water droplets, ice beads, etc. Figure 21 In the diagram, the location of the plastic potting is indicated by double-dotted lines for easy understanding of the connection structure. However, in reality, the area from the end of extension 222 to the portion around wire harnesses 244 is covered with plastic potting.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the end of the heating wire 230 extending from the end of the extension 222 (serving as connection terminals 231 and 232) is connected to the crimp terminals 242 and 242, which serve as power supply side terminals. However, the heating wire 230 can be connected to the crimp terminals 242 and 242 without extending the heating wire 230 from the end of the extension 222. In this case, the end of the heating wire 230, which serves as connection terminals 231 and 232, is located at the end of the extension 222.

[0200] For example, such as Figure 22 As shown, one end of the eyelet terminal 270 is crimped to the end of the extension 222, and the other end of the eyelet terminal 270 is engaged with the ends of the wire harnesses 244 and 244 leading from the connector 240. Therefore, the connecting terminals 231 and 232 are electrically connected to the wire harnesses 244 and 244 through the eyelet terminal 270. The portion from the end of the extension 222 to the wire harnesses 244 and 244 is secured by plastic potting. Even in this connection structure, the sealing performance of the connection between the connecting terminals 231 and 232 and the wire harnesses 244 and 244 is improved by plastic potting. This suppresses the occurrence of moisture penetration into the connection caused by water droplets, ice beads, etc. Figure 21 Compared to the connection structure in the previous one, the structure can be simplified since the substrate 250 is not required.

[0201] In the above embodiments, the heating wire 230 and the connecting terminals 231 and 232 are made of copper foil, but the materials are not limited to those described above.

[0202] The materials used for the inner surface cover plate 211, coating 212, metal film layer 213, and outer surface cover plate 214 of the radio wave transmission cover 210, as well as the material of the heating element 220, are also limited to those described in the above embodiments. The materials of the radio wave transmission cover 210 and the heating element 220 may be radio wave transmissive.

[0203] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0204] Now refer to Figures 23 to 27B A radio wave transmission shield according to a fourth embodiment is described.

[0205] First, the overall structure of the vehicle to which the radio wave transmission shield of this embodiment is applied will be described.

[0206] like Figure 23 As shown, the radio wave radar device R4 is mounted at the front of the vehicle. Figure 23 As indicated by the middle arrow, the radio wave radar device R4 projects a signal towards the front of the vehicle (…). Figure 23 The vehicle radiates radio waves (millimeter waves) on its left side and measures the reflected waves to detect the vehicle's surroundings.

[0207] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the radio wave transmission shield 310 is attached to the front of the vehicle. The radio wave transmission shield 310 is the portion away from the radio wave radar device R4, i.e., the side near the outer side of the vehicle ( Figure 23 The left side of the middle and Figure 24 The portion (front side of the paper in the image) is designated as the outer wall of the vehicle and the external component of the design section (the so-called vehicle emblem). The radio wave transmission cover 310 has a generally elliptical plate shape. The radio wave transmission cover 310 is arranged in front of the radio wave radar device R4 to block the radio wave path of the radio wave radar device R4. Figure 23 (The arrow in the image). Specifically, the radio wave transmission shield 310 is arranged on the side of the radio wave radar device R4 near the outer side of the vehicle, such that all radio waves radiated from the radio wave radar device R4 and reflected waves measured by the radio wave radar device R4 pass through the central portion of the radio wave transmission shield 310 (in the image). Figure 24 The radio wave transmission area 310a is indicated by a double-dotted line. Using the radio wave transmission cover 310, the radio wave radar device R4 is concealed when viewed from outside the vehicle.

[0208] Next, the structure of the radio wave transmission cover 310 will be described.

[0209] like Figure 25 As shown, the radio wave transmission cover 310 has a side closer to the inside of the vehicle ( Figure 25 Starting from the right side of the image, a multi-layered structure is arranged sequentially, consisting of an inner cover plate 311, a coating 312, a metal film layer 313, an outer cover plate 314, and a heat-conducting sheet 320. Figure 25 In this context, for ease of understanding, the thickness of coating 312 and metal film 313 are magnified relative to their actual thicknesses.

[0210] The inner cover panel 311 is formed of acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene plastic (AES plastic). The coating 312 is formed of a black acrylic coating material. The metal film layer 313 is an island-shaped film made of indium. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the metal film layer 313 has an outer peripheral portion 313a and a character portion (character A) 313b. The outer cover plate 314 is made of transparent polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic). The heat-conducting sheet 320 is formed by laminating two layers of transparent polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic). The heating wire 330 and the metal wire 340, described later, are installed in the heat-conducting sheet 320.

[0211] The AES plastic (inner cover plate 311), acrylic coating material (coating 312), and PC plastic (outer cover plate 314 and heat-conducting sheet 320) are all radio wave transmittance materials that allow radio waves to pass through. The island-shaped film (metal film layer 313) made of indium also has radio wave transmittance. Therefore, the inner cover plate 311, coating 312, metal film layer 313, and outer cover plate 314 of the radio wave transmittance shield 310 all have radio wave transmittance that allows radio waves to pass through. The portion of the heat-conducting sheet 320 other than the heating wire 330 and metal wire 340 also has radio wave transmittance that allows radio waves to pass through.

[0212] The radio wave transmission cover 310 has a structure in which a transparent heat-conducting sheet 320, a transparent outer cover plate 314, a metallic film layer 313, and a black coating 312 are stacked sequentially from the side closest to the vehicle's outer side. Therefore, as... Figure 24 As shown, when the radio wave transmission cover 310 is viewed from outside the vehicle, the pattern of the metallic color (metallic film layer 313) on the black background (coating 312) can be visually identified (in this embodiment, the outer frame and the character A).

[0213] Next, the structure of the heat-conducting plate 320 will be described.

[0214] like Figure 23 and Figure 25 As shown, the heat-conducting plate 320 includes a main body 321 and an extension 322. The main body 321 is arranged to cover the entire outer surface of the outer cover plate 314. The extension 322 extends from the main body 321 and extends into the interior of the vehicle through the inner cover plate 311, the coating 312, the metal film layer 313, and the lower edge of the outer cover plate 314.

[0215] like Figure 26 , Figure 27A and Figure 27BAs shown, the heat-conducting sheet 320 is constructed by placing a heating wire 330 and a metal wire 340 between two films 320a and 320b made of polycarbonate plastic (PC plastic). The total film thickness of the heat-conducting sheet 320 is not particularly limited, but can be appropriately set within the range where the outer periphery 313a and the character portion 313b of the metal film layer 313 can be visually identified without affecting radio wave transmittance. The total film thickness of the heat-conducting sheet 320 is preferably, for example, about 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

[0216] like Figure 26 and Figure 27A As shown, the heating wire 330 is arranged in a ring on the outer periphery of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320. The heating wire 330 extends from the lower end of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320 along the extension portion 322. The portion of the main body 321 in which the heating wire 330 is provided corresponds to the outer periphery 313a of the metal film layer 313. Figure 26 In the middle, the portion of the main body 321 corresponding to the outer periphery 313a of the metal film layer 313 is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0217] In this embodiment, the heating wire 330 is made of copper foil. The diameter of the heating wire is not particularly limited and can be suitably set within a range that is not noticeable or impairs the design of the radio wave transmission shield 310 when viewed from outside the vehicle. The diameter of the heating wire 330 is preferably, for example, about 10 to 80 μm.

[0218] like Figure 23 As shown, the extension 322 of the heat-conducting plate 320 is connected to a connector C4 at the end of the extension 322. The connector C4 is connected to the battery B4 via a switch S4. The end of the heating wire 330 provided in the extension 322 serves as a connection terminal for connecting to the battery B4.

[0219] like Figure 26 , Figure 27A and Figure 27B As shown, multiple metal wires 340 are arranged side-by-side in a vertically extending manner at the central portion of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320. The portion of the main body 321 in which the metal wires 340 are provided corresponds to the radio wave transmission region 310a in the radio wave transmission shield 310. The metal wires 340 are provided on the entire radio wave transmission region 310a.

[0220] like Figure 26As shown, the upper and lower ends of the metal wire 340 extend to the vicinity of the heating wire 330 located on the outer periphery of the main body 321. However, the upper and lower ends of the metal wire 340 are positioned spaced apart from the heating wire 330 and do not contact it. In this embodiment, the metal wire 340 is made of copper wire. The diameter of the heating wire is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set within a range that is not noticeable when viewed from outside the vehicle and does not impair the design of the radio wave transmission cover 310. The diameter of the metal wire 340 is preferably, for example, about 10 to 20 μm.

[0221] Next, the operation of the radio wave transmission shield in this embodiment will be described.

[0222] like Figure 23 As shown, when switch S4 is turned on, current from battery B4 is supplied to heating wire 330 in main body 321 through connector C4 and the connection terminal of heating wire 330 provided in extension 322 of heat-conducting plate 320. Therefore, heating wire 330 is heated, and heat is generated on the outer periphery of heat-conducting plate 320.

[0223] The metal wires 340 arranged side-by-side in the central portion of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320 are not connected to the heating wire 330. Therefore, no current is supplied to the metal wires 340. However, the upper and lower ends of the metal wires 340 extend to the vicinity of the heating wire 330. Therefore, radiant heat from the heating wire 330 is transferred to the metal wires 340, and the metal wires 340 are also heated to generate heat. The side-by-side arrangement of the metal wires 340 extends over the entire radio wave transmission area 310a of the radio wave transmission shield 310. Therefore, the entire radio wave transmission area 310a is heated and heat is generated. Therefore, even if snow accumulates on the radio wave transmission area 310a, the snow will melt. As described above, in this embodiment, the metal wires 340 are disposed in the radio wave transmission area 310a and serve as a heat-conducting part, where heat from the heating wire 330 is transferred in a state where the heat-conducting part is not electrically connected to the heating wire 330, which is the heat source.

[0224] The heating wire 330, heated by the supplied current, is formed of copper foil with a diameter larger than that of the metal wire 340. However, the portion where the heating wire 330 is located is the portion of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320 corresponding to the outer periphery 313a of the metal film layer 313. Therefore, the heating wire 330 is easily concealed by the metallic color of the metal film layer 313, making it inconspicuous when viewed from outside the vehicle.

[0225] The metal wires 340 arranged side-by-side in the central portion of the main body 321 are formed of copper wires with a relatively small diameter. Since the metal wires 340 extend in a straight line and do not have any folds, complex metallic reflections are suppressed. Therefore, the metal wires 340 are not noticeable when viewed from outside the vehicle.

[0226] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0227] In the prior art, it is known that radio wave radar devices are installed on vehicles such as automobiles. Radio wave radar devices detect obstacles or measure the distance between vehicles by radiating radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves and measuring the reflected waves.

[0228] If such a radio wave radar device were placed exposed at the front of the vehicle, it could compromise the vehicle's design. Therefore, for example, the radio wave radar device is placed on the side of the radio wave transmission cover (such as a car emblem) (one of whose surfaces forms the outer surface of the vehicle) closer to the inside of the vehicle, and is thus obscured by the radio wave transmission cover when viewed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0229] When the outside temperature is low, if snow accumulates on the front of the radio wave transmission radome, the attenuation of radio waves increases as they pass through it. This can reduce the detection accuracy of radio wave radar devices. To address these issues, a heating wire has been attached to the radio wave transmission radome (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-132921). By energizing the heating wire, the radio wave transmission radome is heated, thus melting the snow accumulated on it. Therefore, the effect of snow on radio wave performance can be suppressed.

[0230] In a radio wave transmission hood with attached heating wires, the current flowing through the heating wires increases the attenuation of radio waves, which may affect radio wave performance. In Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-132921, to suppress this increase in radio wave attenuation, the heating wires in the portion of the radio wave transmission hood through which the radio waves pass (the radio wave transmission region) are arranged in a zigzag manner, primarily utilizing the fact that the extension direction is orthogonal to the polarization plane of the radio waves.

[0231] However, the heating wire is arranged in a zigzag manner. Therefore, at the points where the heating wire's extension direction changes, the extension direction of the heating wire shifts relative to a direction orthogonal to the polarization plane of the radio wave. Consequently, it is impossible to suppress the attenuation of radio waves at these points where the heating wire's extension direction changes. Therefore, problems remain to be solved regarding eliminating the influence of the heating wire on radio wave transmittance.

[0232] The radio wave transmission cover that solves the above problems has a radio wave transmission area arranged in the radio wave path of the radio wave radar device, through which radio waves pass. A heat source is provided outside the radio wave transmission area. A heat-conducting part is provided in the radio wave transmission area. Heat from the heat source is transferred at the heat-conducting part without the heat-conducting part being electrically connected to the heat source.

[0233] According to the above structure, the heat-conducting part provided in the radio wave transmission area is not electrically connected to the heat source. Therefore, no current flowing from the heat source through energization is generated in the heat-conducting part. In the radio wave transmission area where such a heat-conducting part is provided, the attenuation of the transmitted radio waves is appropriately suppressed. A radio wave transmission shield capable of suppressing the influence of radio wave radar devices on radio wave transmission is obtained.

[0234] In the above structure, it is preferable that the heat-conducting part is composed of multiple metal wires.

[0235] In the above structure, it is preferable that the heat-conducting part is composed of a conductive coating or a thermally conductive coating.

[0236] In the above structure, it is preferable that the heat-conducting part is a transparent film with high resistance.

[0237] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the heat source is an electric heating wire that is wired to surround the periphery of the radio wave transmission area.

[0238] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail.

[0239] (1) In the radio wave transmission shield 310 of this embodiment, a heat-conducting sheet 320 is laminated on the outer surface. A heating wire 330 connected to the battery B4 is disposed in the outer periphery of the heat-conducting sheet 320. A heat-conducting portion formed by a metal wire 340 is disposed in the central portion of the heat-conducting sheet 320 and corresponds to the radio wave transmission region 310a of the radio wave transmission shield 310 in the heat-conducting sheet 320. The metal wire 340 extends to the vicinity of the heating wire 330.

[0240] Therefore, the metal wire 340 generates heat by transferring radiant heat from the heating wire 330. Consequently, the radio wave transmission region 310a of the radio wave transmission shield 310 is heated. Even when snow accumulates on the portion that is the radio wave transmission region 310a, it can melt. As a result, attenuation of radio waves passing through the radio wave transmission region 310a of the radio wave transmission shield 310 can be suppressed.

[0241] (2) The metal wire 340 is not electrically connected to the heating wire 330, and no current flows in the metal wire 340. Therefore, in the radio wave transmission region 310a of the radio wave transmission cover 310 where the metal wire 340 is provided, the attenuation of radio waves caused by current can be suppressed. The wiring pattern of the metal wire 340 does not need to be a wiring pattern that suppresses the attenuation of radio waves. Therefore, restrictions on the wiring pattern of the metal wire 340 can be suppressed.

[0242] (3) The heating wire 330, which serves as a heat source, is wired to surround the periphery of the radio wave transmission region 310a. Therefore, the influence of the current flowing in the heating wire 330 on the radio wave transmission can be suppressed.

[0243] (4) A heat-conducting section is formed by multiple metal wires 340 arranged side by side. The upper and lower ends of each metal wire 340 extend to the vicinity of the heating wire 330. Therefore, radiant heat from the heating wire 330 can be easily transferred to each of the multiple metal wires 340, and thus the multiple metal wires 340 can generate heat efficiently.

[0244] (5) The metal wire 340 in this embodiment is made of copper wire. Therefore, thermal conductivity can be improved and the heating efficiency in the heat-conducting part can be improved.

[0245] (6) Multiple metal wires 340 extending in the vertical direction are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction without turning back midway. This suppresses complex metal reflections when there are turning-back portions among the multiple metal wires 340. Therefore, even if the metal wires 340 are arranged in the central part of the main body 321 of the heat-conducting plate 320, the metal wires 340 are almost inconspicuous. This can suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the radio wave transmission cover 310 and improve design.

[0246] (7) The heating wire 330 is arranged in a ring in the heat-conducting sheet 320 at the portion corresponding to the outer periphery 313a of the metal film layer 313. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish the heating wire 330 from the metallic color of the metal film layer 313. This suppresses the deterioration of the appearance of the radio wave transmission cover 310.

[0247] The above embodiments can be modified as follows, and these modifications can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0248] In the above embodiment, although the heat-conducting part is composed of multiple metal wires 340, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a thermally conductive coating material or thermally conductive ink with high thermal conductivity can be laminated in the form of a coating film. A conductive coating material or conductive ink with high thermal conductivity can be laminated in the form of a coating film. A transparent and high-resistance metal wire film (e.g., an Al2O3 film) or a diamond film can be laminated. Various coating films and films can be provided on the entire area corresponding to the radio wave transmission region 310a. Even when a coating film or film is laminated, snow on the film surface will melt due to the heat conduction of the heating wire 330. Therefore, the attenuation of radio waves due to current can be suppressed. Therefore, coating films such as conductive coating materials, conductive ink, thermally conductive coating materials, and thermally conductive ink, metal oxide films, or diamond films are used as heat-conducting parts.

[0249] The wiring pattern of the metal wire 340, which serves as a heat conductor, does not necessarily have to be a straight line extending in the vertical direction. The wiring pattern can be freely set. For example, multiple metal wires 340 can be straight lines extending in the horizontal direction. A single metal wire 340 can be bent into a zigzag shape. A grid shape in which multiple metal wires 340 overlap and extend with each other can be used.

[0250] In the above embodiment, the metal wire 340 is disposed at a position where it does not contact the heating wire 330, but it can also be disposed at a position where the metal wire 340 contacts the heating wire 330. In this case, the contact portion between the metal wire 340 and the heating wire 330 is preferably insulated so that current does not flow in the metal wire 340.

[0251] In the above embodiments, the heating wire 330 is disposed on the outer periphery of the heat-conducting sheet 320 as a heat source, but the type of heat source is not limited to those described above. For example, a transparent conductive film of indium tin oxide (ITO) can be disposed on the outer periphery of the heat-conducting sheet 320, and electricity can be passed through it.

[0252] In the above embodiment, the heating wire 330, serving as a heat source, is disposed on the outer periphery of the heat-conducting plate 320, but the heat source is not necessarily integrated with the heat-conducting plate 320. The heat source is not necessarily integrated with the radio wave transmission shield 310. For example, the heat source may be disposed near the back side of the radio wave transmission shield 310. Even in this case, radiant heat from the heat source is transferred to the heat-conducting portion of the heat-conducting plate 320, and thus the radio wave transmission region 310a can be heated.

[0253] In the above embodiments, the heating wire 330 is made of copper foil, but the material is not limited to those described above. The metal wire 340 is made of copper wire, but the material is not limited to those described above.

[0254] The materials used for the inner cover plate 311, coating 312, metal film layer 313, and outer cover plate 314 forming the radio wave transmission shield 310, as well as the material of the heat-conducting sheet 320, are also limited to the materials used in the above embodiments. The materials of the radio wave transmission shield 310 and the heat-conducting sheet 320 may be radio wave transmissive.

[0255] The technical ideas that can be obtained from the above embodiments will be described.

[0256] The heat-conducting part is located over the entire radio wave transmission area.

[0257] The heat source is located on the metal film layer of the radio wave transmission shield.

[0258] The heat source is located on the back of the radio wave transmission shield.

[0259] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0260] Now refer to Figures 28 to 31 A vehicle trim component according to a fifth embodiment is described. The vehicle trim component is a vehicle emblem. In the drawings, the proportions of each component are appropriately altered and shown so that each component has a recognizable size.

[0261] like Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, the front grille 411 is attached to the front of the engine compartment of the vehicle 410. The front grille 411 cools the radiator by introducing outside air, such as relative airflow, into the engine compartment.

[0262] A millimeter-wave radar device 415 is mounted behind the front grille 411 and in front of the radiator. The millimeter-wave radar device 415 serves as a sensor in adaptive cruise control (ACC). The millimeter-wave radar device 415 transmits millimeter waves and receives millimeter waves reflected from objects. Therefore, the inter-vehicle distance and relative speed between the vehicle in front and the vehicle itself (vehicle 410) are measured based on the difference between the transmitted and received waves. Millimeter waves refer to radio waves with wavelengths of 1 to 10 mm and frequencies of 30 to 300 GHz. In ACC, the engine throttle and brakes are controlled based on the measurements from the millimeter-wave radar device 415 to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle (vehicle 410) and control the inter-vehicle distance.

[0263] The thickness of the front grille 411 is not constant and is similar to that of a generic front grille. Similar to generic front grilles, a metallic coating can be formed on the front of the plastic base component in the front grille 411. Therefore, the front grille 411 causes interference with transmitted or reflected millimeter waves. Therefore, a window 412 is provided in the front grille 411 at the location of the millimeter wave path of the millimeter wave device 415, specifically in front of the direction of transmission of the millimeter waves from the millimeter wave device. The window 412 is part of the front grille 411, and the emblem 420, described later, is located within this part.

[0264] like Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the car logo 420 includes a decorative body 421 and a heating element 433.

[0265] The decorative body 421 is attached to the front of the vehicle 410 along the transmission direction of the millimeter waves from the millimeter-wave radar device 415 to decorate the vehicle 410. The decorative body 421 is millimeter-wave transmissive. The decorative body 421 includes a base member 422, a transparent member 425, and a decorative layer 432. The decorative body 421 has an overall elliptical plate shape. The decorative body 421 is slightly bent to bulge forward.

[0266] The substrate 422 is formed of a plastic material such as acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer (AES) plastic, which has a small dielectric loss tangent (an index value representing the degree of electrical energy loss in a dielectric material). The substrate 422 is colored. The dielectric loss tangent of AES plastic is 0.007. If the dielectric loss tangent is small, it is difficult to convert millimeter waves into heat energy. Therefore, attenuation of millimeter waves can be suppressed.

[0267] The front portion of the base member 422 has a general-purpose portion 423 and a protrusion 424. The general-purpose portion 423 extends in a manner substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The protrusion 424 protrudes forward from the general-purpose portion 423. The general-purpose portion 423 corresponds to... Figure 28 The background area 420a of the logo 420 is shown, and the protrusion 424 corresponds to the character area 420b of the logo 420. The base component 422 may be formed of a plastic having a dielectric constant close to that of the transparent component 425, instead of AES plastic. Examples of such plastics include acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA) plastic, polycarbonate (PC) plastic, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (PC / ABS) plastic.

[0268] A transparent component 425 is disposed in front of the base component 422. The transparent component 425 is formed of a transparent plastic material, such as PC plastic, which has a small dielectric loss tangent. The dielectric loss tangent of PC plastic is 0.006. The dielectric constant of PC plastic is substantially equal to that of AES plastic. The rear portion of the transparent component 425 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the front portion of the base component 422. That is, a general portion 426 is formed at the rear portion of the transparent component 425 and at the front portion of the general portion 423 of the base component 422. The general portion 426 extends in a manner substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction. A recess 427 is formed at the rear portion of the transparent component 425 and at the front portion of the protrusion 24 of the base component 422. The recess 427 is recessed forward relative to the general portion 426. The transparent component 425 can be formed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic, which is a plastic material similar to PC plastic with a small dielectric loss tangent.

[0269] Decorative layer 432 is used to decorate the front of vehicle 410, including front grille 411. Decorative layer 432 is formed between base member 422 and transparent member 425. Decorative layer 432 has millimeter-wave translucency. Decorative layer 432 is composed, for example, of a combination of a coloring layer such as black and a metallic layer. The coloring layer is formed at the general portion 426 of transparent member 425 by a method such as printing. The metallic layer is formed by vapor deposition of a metallic material such as indium on the entire rear surface of the recess 427 of transparent member 425 and the rear surface of the coloring layer. In decorative layer 432, to inhibit corrosion of the metallic layer, the metallic layer can be covered by an anti-corrosion layer made of acrylic or polyurethane plastic material.

[0270] Heating element 433 is also known as a planar heating element, thin-film heater, etc. For example... Figures 29 to 31 As shown, the heating element 433 has a main part 433a and a connecting part 433b.

[0271] The main portion 433a of the heating element 433 is arranged to overlap the transparent component 425 from the front. The main portion 433a is in close contact with the front surface of the transparent component 425 and forms an integral part with the transparent component 425. Similar to the decorative main body portion 421 described above, the main portion 433a has an overall elliptical plate shape and is slightly bent to bulge forward.

[0272] The connecting portion 433b of the heating element 433 extends in a strip shape from the lower end of the main portion 433a to the outer side of the decorative body portion 421. The connecting portion 433b has a bent portion 433c at its boundary with the main portion 433a. The bent portion 433c bends rearward relative to the main portion 433a. Therefore, the connecting portion 433b extends rearward from the lower end of the main portion 433a. The connecting portion 433b is configured to have a smaller dimension than the main portion 433a (for example, a dimension of 30 mm in the front-rear direction and a dimension of 20 mm in the left-right direction). Figure 31 In the case where the connecting part 433b is not bent, the connecting part 433b is enlarged relative to the main part 433a.

[0273] The heating element 433 includes a plastic sheet 434 and a linear heater portion 435. The heater portion 435 is formed on the plastic sheet 434. The plastic sheet 434 is formed of, for example, PC plastic or polyimide plastic. For example, nickel-chromium alloy wire, SUS etched heater, transparent conductive film, carbon heating element, silver paste, etc. are used in the linear heater portion 435.

[0274] The heater section 435 includes a heating element 435a that heats up when energized. The heating element 435a is formed by repeatedly bending into a wave shape over almost the entire area of ​​the main section 433a. This suppresses the millimeter wave transmission area Z5 (see [reference needed]) in the decorative main body section 421. Figure 28 The situation where the heating element 435a blocks the transmission of millimeter waves (i.e., hinders the transmission of millimeter waves).

[0275] The heater section 435 includes a pair of power supply units 435b and 435c. These power supply units 435b and 435c are connected to opposite ends of the heating element 435a located at the lower end of the main section 433a. The power supply units 435b and 435c are formed to extend linearly in the front-rear direction at the connecting portion 433b. The power supply units 435b and 435c are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a DC power supply (e.g., a vehicle battery) V5 at their ends opposite to the connecting portion of the heating element 435a, respectively. Therefore, electrical energy is supplied to the heating element 435a.

[0276] A resistance-reducing section 436 is provided in each of the power supply units 435b and 435c, overlapping with each of the power supply units 435b and 435c. The resistance-reducing section 436 extends in a strip shape in the extending direction of the power supply units 435b and 435c. The cross-sectional area of ​​the resistance-reducing section 436 is set to be significantly larger than the cross-sectional areas of the power supply units 435b and 435c. The resistance-reducing section 436 is provided to increase the conductive cross-sectional area in the power supply units 435b and 435c and reduce the resistance. For example, conductive ink such as silver paste or carbon paste or copper foil is used in the resistance-reducing section 436.

[0277] A thermostat 437 is provided in power supply unit 435b, which is one of power supply units 435b and 435c. The thermostat 437 maintains a suitable temperature by controlling the current flowing in power supply unit 435b according to the temperature of power supply unit 435b. Examples of thermostat 437 include thermistors, bimetallic devices, and thermocouples.

[0278] like Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, a hard coating 431 is formed on the front side of the heating element 433. The hard coating 431 is formed by applying a known plastic surface treatment agent. Examples of surface treatment agents include acrylate-based, oxetane-based, and silicone-based organic hard coating agents, inorganic hard coating agents, and organic-inorganic mixed hard coating agents. The hard coating 31 formed by such a hard coating agent protects the main portion 433a of the heating element 433 from the front. Therefore, the main portion 433a has beneficial effects such as scratch resistance, stain resistance, improved lightfastness and weather resistance by blocking ultraviolet light, and improved water resistance.

[0279] If desired, the hard coating 431 can be colored within a range that allows millimeter waves to pass through. A hydrophobic film, such as an organic coating or a silicone film, can be formed on the front side of the hard coating 431 (the front of the logo 420). In this case, the front side of the hard coating 431 is hydrophobic and becomes difficult to get wet. This inhibits the formation of a water film on the front side of the hard coating 431 during snow melting.

[0280] If the logo 420, configured as described above, is fitted from the front into the window 412 of the front grille 411, the decorative layer 432 formed between the base member 422 and the transparent member 425 functions to decorate the front of the vehicle. When the logo 420 is viewed from the front, light is reflected by the decorative layer 432, which is formed in a concave-convex shape. Therefore, through the heating element 433 and the transparent member 425, the metallic-looking characters behind the heating element 433 and the transparent member 425 can be seen in three dimensions.

[0281] To measure the inter-vehicle distance and relative speed between the preceding vehicle and the current vehicle (vehicle 410), millimeter waves are transmitted forward from the millimeter-wave radar device 415. The millimeter waves then pass through the base component 422, decorative layer 432, transparent component 425, heating element 433, and hard coating 431 in the emblem 420. In the decorative layer 432, the millimeter waves pass through the gaps between deposited metal particles. The millimeter waves pass through the portion of the main body 433a of the heating element 433 where the heating element 435a is not located. Similarly, millimeter waves reflected by objects (such as vehicles or obstacles) in the direction of transmission also pass through the decorative body 421 and the heating element 433.

[0282] When snow accumulates on the front of the emblem 420, electrical energy is supplied from the vehicle (DC power supply V5) to the heating element 435a via power supply units 435b and 435c located at the connection portion 433b (window portion 412 of the front grille 411). The heating element 435a heats up upon receiving this electrical energy. Therefore, the snow accumulated on the front of the emblem 420 is melted by the heat generated by the heating element 435a. In particular, the heating element 435a (main portion 433a) is positioned near the front of the emblem 420. Therefore, the snow accumulated on the front is efficiently melted by the heat generated by the heating element 435a.

[0283] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0284] In existing technology, millimeter-wave radar devices are typically mounted behind vehicle trim components such as the front grille and emblem in order to measure distances between vehicles or to obstacles using millimeter waves. In this technology, the millimeter-wave radar device temporarily stops measuring if snow accumulates on the trim component. However, with the widespread use of millimeter-wave radar devices, it is desirable to perform measurements even during snowfall.

[0285] Consider adding snow-melting functionality to vehicle trim components. For example, a vehicle trim component disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-215242 includes a heating element, at least the main part of which is integrally provided on a trim body for decorating a vehicle. The heating element is constructed by forming a linear heater portion on a plastic sheet. Snow accumulated on the vehicle trim component is melted by the heat generated by the heating element (heater portion).

[0286] In Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-215242, the heating element includes a connecting portion extending from the main part to the exterior of the decorative main body. The connecting portion includes a pair of power supply units forming opposite ends of the heater part. Power is supplied to the heater part by connecting it to a DC power supply in the power supply units.

[0287] The connecting portion has a bend at its boundary with the main portion, which bends backward relative to the main portion. Therefore, the connecting portion extends backward from the lower end of the main portion. Consequently, in the heater section, by increasing the amount of bending in the wiring of the power supply unit within the connecting portion, abnormal heating may occur.

[0288] The vehicle trim component that solves the above problems includes a trim body and a heating element. The trim body is attached to the front of the vehicle along the transmission direction of millimeter waves from a millimeter-wave radar device to decorate the vehicle. The trim body is millimeter-wave transmissive. The heating element has a main part and a connecting part. The main part includes a heating element that generates heat by energizing it. The connecting part includes a pair of power supply units that supply power to the heating element. A bend relative to the main part is formed at the boundary between the connecting part and the main part. A resistance reduction part is provided in the power supply unit to reduce the resistance of the power supply unit.

[0289] Based on the above structure, the electrical conduction of the power supply unit is accelerated by the resistance reduction section. Therefore, even if a bend is formed in the connection section, abnormal heat generation in the power supply unit can be suppressed.

[0290] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail.

[0291] (1) In this embodiment, the electrical conduction of the power supply units 435b and 435c is accelerated by the resistance reduction part 436. Therefore, even if a bend 433c is formed in the connection part 433b of the heating element 433, abnormal heating in the power supply units 435b and 435c can be suppressed.

[0292] In particular, wiring tends to be concentrated in the connector 433b, which has a smaller size than the main part 433a, and is prone to generating heat. In this respect, this countermeasure to suppress abnormal heat generation is also effective.

[0293] (2) In this embodiment, a suitable temperature can be maintained by controlling the current flowing in the power supply unit 435b according to the temperature of the power supply unit 435b using a thermostat 437 provided in the power supply unit 435b. Therefore, abnormal heating in the power supply unit 435b can be further suppressed.

[0294] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0295] Next, we will refer to Figure 32 and Figure 33 The vehicle trim member according to the sixth embodiment is described. In the figure, the connecting portion 433b is enlarged relative to the main portion 433a in the unbent state.

[0296] The sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment in that the heating element 433 is composed of a main portion 433a and a connecting portion 433b. However, the wiring pattern of the heating element 433 in the sixth embodiment is different from that in the fifth embodiment.

[0297] That is, two linear heater sections 451 and 452 corresponding to the heater section 435 are provided on the plastic sheet 434 of the heating element 433.

[0298] In heater sections 451 and 452, each heater section 451 includes a heating element 451a and a pair of power supply units 451b and 451c. The heating element 451a heats up when energized. The pair of power supply units 451b and 451c are connected to opposite ends of the heating element 451a. The heating element 451a is formed by repeatedly bending into a wave shape over almost the entire area of ​​the main section 433a. The power supply units 451b and 451c are formed by extending linearly in the front-back direction at the connecting portion 433b. The power supply units 451b and 451c are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a DC power supply V5, respectively, at the ends opposite to the connecting portion of the heating element 451a. Therefore, electrical energy is supplied to the heating element 451a.

[0299] Similarly, in heater sections 451 and 452, another heater section 452 includes a heating element 452a and a pair of power supply units 452b and 452c. The heating element 452a heats up when energized. The pair of power supply units 452b and 452c are connected to opposite ends of the heating element 452a, respectively. The heating element 452a is formed in a wave-like shape, repeatedly bent along the heating element 451a inside the heating element 451a. The power supply units 452b and 452c are formed between the power supply units 451b and 451c, extending linearly along the power supply units 451b and 451c in the front-back direction. The power supply units 452b and 452c are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a DC power supply V5, respectively, at their ends opposite to the connection portion of the heating element 452a. Therefore, electrical energy is supplied to the heating element 452a.

[0300] That is, the heating element 433 includes two sets of heater sections 451 and 452. In heater section 451, heating element 451a and power supply units 451b and 451c form a set. In heater section 452, heating element 452a and power supply units 452b and 452c form a set.

[0301] Multiple (e.g., five) wiring connections 453, serving as resistance-reducing sections, are arranged on the plastic sheet 434 of the heating element 433. Power supply units 451b and 452b of the same polarity in the two sets of heater sections 451 and 452 are connected to each other via the wiring connections 453. The wiring connections 453 extend in a strip shape in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction (of the power supply units), thus spanning between the power supply units 451b and 452b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring connections 453 is set to be significantly larger than the cross-sectional areas of the power supply units 451b and 452b. For example, conductive ink such as silver paste or carbon paste, or copper foil, is used for the wiring connections 453. The wiring connections 453 form a grid pattern and partially enlarge the conductive cross-sectional area of ​​the power supply units 451b and 452b. Therefore, the resistance of the power supply units 451b and 452b decreases simultaneously.

[0302] Similarly, multiple (e.g., five) wiring connections 454, serving as resistance-reducing portions, are arranged on the plastic sheet 434 of the heating element 433. Through these wiring connections 454, power supply units 451c and 452c of the same polarity in the two sets of heater sections 451 and 452 are connected to each other. The wiring connections 454 extend in a strip shape in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction (of the power supply units), thus spanning between the power supply units 451c and 452c. The cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring connections 454 is set to be significantly larger than the cross-sectional areas of the power supply units 451c and 452c. For example, conductive ink such as silver paste or carbon paste, or copper foil, is also used in the wiring connections 454. The wiring connections 454 form a grid pattern and partially enlarge the conductive cross-sectional area of ​​the power supply units 451c and 452c. Therefore, the resistance of the power supply units 451c and 452c decreases simultaneously.

[0303] The thermostat 437 is disposed in the power supply units 451b and 452b in the two sets of heater sections 451 and 452. The thermostat 437 is configured to be shared by the power supply units 451b and 452b.

[0304] The construction other than that described above is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, components that are the same as those in the fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0305] In the vehicle trim component of the fifth embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems, preferably, the heating sheet includes multiple sets of heater sections, each set of heater sections including a heating element and a pair of power supply units. Preferably, the resistance reduction section is a wiring connection section, at which the power supply units with the same polarity in the multiple sets of heater sections are connected to each other.

[0306] According to the above structure, by connecting power supply units with the same polarity in multiple sets of heater sections to each other using wiring connection parts, the resistance of power supply units in multiple sets of heater sections can be reduced simultaneously.

[0307] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail. In addition to the advantages of the fifth embodiment, the present invention also has the following advantages.

[0308] (1) In this embodiment, power supply units 451b and 452b with the same polarity in the multiple sets of heater sections 451 and 452 are connected to each other through wiring connection section 453, and power supply units 451c and 452c with the same polarity are connected to each other through wiring connection section 454. Therefore, the resistance of power supply units 451b and 452b in the multiple sets of heater sections 451 and 452 can be reduced simultaneously, and the resistance of power supply units 451c and 452c can be reduced simultaneously.

[0309] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0310] Next, we will refer to Figure 34 A vehicle trim component according to a seventh embodiment is described. Figure 34 In the middle, the connecting part 433b is enlarged when it is not bent.

[0311] The seventh embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment in that the heating element 433 is composed of a main part 433a and a connecting part 433b, and two sets of heater parts 451 and 452 are provided on the plastic sheet 434 of the heating element 433. However, the wiring pattern in the connecting part 433b in the seventh embodiment is different from the wiring pattern in the sixth embodiment.

[0312] That is, bending portions 451d and 451e are formed in the power supply units 451b and 451c of the heater section 451, respectively. The bending portions 451d and 451e are formed to be bent into a wave shape repeatedly over almost the entire length. The bending portions 451d and 451e are formed within the area including the bending portion 433c.

[0313] Similarly, bending portions 452d and 452e are formed in the power supply units 452b and 452c of the heater section 452, respectively. The bending portions 452d and 452e are formed to be bent repeatedly into a wave shape over almost the entire length. The bending portions 452d and 452e are formed within the area including the bending portion 433c.

[0314] The construction other than that described above is similar to that of the sixth embodiment. Therefore, components that are the same as those in the sixth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0315] In the vehicle trim component for solving the above-mentioned problems in the fifth embodiment, preferably, the curved portion is formed at least at the bend in the power supply unit.

[0316] Based on the above structure, the bending portion improves the flexibility of the power supply unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit from disconnecting at the bending portion.

[0317] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail. In addition to the advantages of the sixth embodiment, the present invention also has the following advantages.

[0318] (1) In this embodiment, the bending properties of power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c are improved by bending portions 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the disconnection of power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c at the bending portion 433c. In addition, it is possible to suppress abnormal heating of power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c at the bending portion 433c.

[0319] <Eighth Embodiment>

[0320] Next, we will refer to Figure 35 A vehicle trim component according to the eighth embodiment is described. Figure 35 In the diagram, the connecting portion 433b is enlarged in its unbent state. For clarity, the power supply units 452b and 452c of the heater portion 452 are shown by dashed lines.

[0321] The eighth embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment in that the heating element 433 is composed of a main part 433a and a connecting part 433b, and two sets of heater parts 451 and 452 are provided on the plastic sheet 434 of the heating element 433. However, the wiring pattern in the connecting part 433b in the eighth embodiment is different from the wiring pattern in the seventh embodiment.

[0322] That is, the power supply units 451b and 452b with the same polarity in the two sets of heater sections 451 and 452 have curved portions 451d and 452d with different curvatures, such that the power supply units 451b and 452b intersect each other. The power supply units 451b and 452b are connected to each other at the cross connection portion 461, which serves as a resistance reduction portion, rather than at the wiring connection portion 453. The cross connection portion 461 is located at the intersection where the power supply units 451b and 452b intersect each other.

[0323] Similarly, in the two sets of heater sections 451 and 452, the power supply units 451c and 452c with the same polarity have curved portions 451e and 452e with different curvatures, such that the power supply units 451c and 452c cross each other. The power supply units 451c and 452c are connected to each other at the cross connection portion 462, which serves as a resistance reduction portion, rather than at the wiring connection portion 454. The cross connection portion 462 is located at the intersection where the power supply units 451c and 452c cross each other.

[0324] The construction other than that described above is similar to that of the seventh embodiment. Therefore, components that are the same as those in the seventh embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0325] In the vehicle trim component for solving the above-mentioned problems in the fifth embodiment, preferably, the heating element includes multiple sets of heater sections, each set of heater sections including a heating element and a pair of power supply units. Preferably, the resistance reduction section is a cross-connection section, where the power supply units of the same polarity in the multiple sets of heater sections are connected to each other at the intersection where the power supply units intersect.

[0326] According to the above structure, a crossing section is formed by intersecting power supply units with the same polarity in multiple sets of heater sections. A cross connection section is formed in this crossing section, where the power supply units are connected to each other. Therefore, the resistance of the power supply units in multiple sets of heater sections can be reduced simultaneously.

[0327] The advantages of this embodiment will now be described in more detail. In addition to the advantages of the fifth embodiment and the seventh embodiment (1), the present invention also has the following advantages.

[0328] (1) In this embodiment, a cross section is formed by crossing power supply units 451b and 452b with the same polarity in multiple sets of heater sections 451 and 452, and by crossing power supply units 451c and 452c with the same polarity. At this cross section, a cross connection section 461 is formed to connect power supply units 451b and 452b to each other, and a cross connection section 462 is formed to connect power supply units 451c and 452c to each other. Therefore, the resistance of power supply units 451b and 452b in both sets of heater sections 451 and 452 can be reduced simultaneously, and the resistance of power supply units 451c and 452c can be reduced simultaneously.

[0329] This embodiment can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined, as long as the combined modifications maintain technical consistency with each other.

[0330] In the fifth embodiment, the bending portion may be formed in the power supply units 435b and 435c at least at the bending portion 433c.

[0331] In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the number of wiring connectors 453 and 454 can be changed to any value. For example, the number of wiring connectors 453 and 454 can be one.

[0332] In the sixth and seventh embodiments, as an alternative to wiring connection portions 453 and 454, a resistance-reducing portion extending in a strip shape along the extending direction of power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c can also be used. That is, in the multiple sets of heater portions 451 and 452, power supply units 451b and 452b with the same polarity do not necessarily have to be connected to each other, and power supply units 451c and 452c with the same polarity do not necessarily have to be connected to each other.

[0333] In the seventh and eighth embodiments, bends 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e are formed along approximately the entire length of power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c, respectively. Alternatively, bends 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e may be formed only in some of the power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c, as long as they at least include the area of ​​the bend 433c. In this case, to suppress the disconnection of the connection 433b, it is more preferable that the bending amount of the power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c is greater than the elongation of the connection 433b when it is bent. Specifically, to suppress disconnection, the power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c are more preferably bent by 30% or more of a straight line.

[0334] In the seventh and eighth embodiments, curved portions 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e that are repeatedly bent into a waveform are formed in power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c, respectively. Alternatively, for example, curved portions 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e that are repeatedly bent into a rectangular or saw blade shape may be formed in power supply units 451b, 451c, 452b, and 452c, respectively.

[0335] In the seventh and eighth embodiments, the number of bends in the bending portions 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e can be changed to any value. For example, the bending of the bending portions 451d, 451e, 452d, and 452e can be repeated once.

[0336] In embodiments six through eight, the heating element may include three or more sets of heater sections, each set of heater sections including a heating element and a pair of power supply units. In this case, the power supply units with the same polarity in the three or more sets of heater sections may be connected to each other at wiring connection sections or cross connection sections.

[0337] In the eighth embodiment, the number of cross-connections 461 and 462 can be changed to any value. For example, the number of cross-connections 461 and 462 can be one.

[0338] In the above embodiments, the wiring patterns of heating elements 435a, 451a, and 452a can be appropriately modified. For example, the wiring patterns in heating elements 435a, 451a, and 452a can be elliptical along the outer periphery of the plastic sheet 434 (car logo 420). Alternatively, the wiring patterns in heating elements 435a, 451a, and 452a can be, for example, straight lines extending in the left-right or up-down direction.

[0339] In the above embodiment, a heating element 433 can be used, wherein linear heater portions 435, 451, and 452 made of a transparent conductive film are formed on a transparent plastic sheet 434. The transparent conductive film is formed, for example, by sputtering or vapor deposition of indium tin oxide (ITO). In this case, the heater portions 435, 451, and 452 are difficult to see, thus improving the appearance of the car emblem 420.

[0340] In the above embodiment, the heating element 433 can be further bent within the range of the connecting portion 433b (except for the boundary portion with the main portion 433a). For example, the connecting portion 433b can be bent upward at the middle portion and extend upward from the middle portion.

[0341] In the above embodiments, the wiring patterns (heater sections 435, 451, 452, etc.) on the plastic sheet 434 can be further covered with plastic material from the front.

[0342] In the above embodiments, at least the main portion 433a of the heating element 433 can be arranged between the decorative layer 432 and the transparent component 425 in a manner that overlaps with the decorative layer 432 and the transparent component 425.

[0343] In the above embodiment, the transparent component 425 can be divided into a front transparent component forming the front portion and a rear transparent component forming the rear portion. In this case, the main portion 433a of the heating element 433 can be arranged between the front transparent component and the rear transparent component in a manner that overlaps with the front transparent component and the rear transparent component.

[0344] In the above embodiment, a heat transfer inhibition layer may be formed between the decorative layer 432 and the base member 422. The heat transfer inhibition layer is made of a material having a higher flexural temperature (heat distortion temperature) than the base member 422 (e.g., an ultraviolet (UV) curable coating material). In this case, the heat transfer inhibition layer inhibits the transfer of heat generated in the heater sections 435, 451, and 452 to the base member 422. This prevents the base member 422 from deforming due to heat from the heater sections 435, 451, and 452.

[0345] In the above embodiments, the decorative main body 421 can be formed into a plate shape that is different from an ellipse.

[0346] In the above embodiment, the logo 420 can be attached to the vehicle body instead of the front grille 411.

[0347] The vehicle trim component is attached to the front of the vehicle 410 in the direction of millimeter wave transmission from the millimeter wave radar device 415 in the vehicle 410, and decorates the vehicle 410. The vehicle trim component can be applied to a different vehicle trim component than the vehicle emblem 420, as long as the vehicle trim component has millimeter wave transmittance.

[0348] The technical ideas that can be obtained from the above embodiments and variations will be described.

[0349] Among the aforementioned vehicle decorative components,

[0350] A thermostat is installed in the power supply unit.

[0351] Based on the above structure, a suitable temperature can be maintained by controlling the current flowing through the power supply unit according to its temperature using a thermostat installed within the unit. This further suppresses abnormal heating within the power supply unit.

[0352] Description of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0353] 1…Decorative part (vehicle decorative component); 2…Vehicle; 3…Front grille; 4…Car emblem; 10…Base component; 10a…Front side; 10b…Back side; 10s…Laying surface; 11…Sealing display part; 20…Radio wave transmission cover; 21…Radar device; 30…Heating element; 41…Transparent base component; 42…Black base component; 43…Decorative layer; 50…Heating wire; 51…First sheet; 52…Second sheet; 53…Transparent sheet; 55…Adhesive sheet; 61…Main body; 62…Extension; 62a…End; 70…Circuit board; 71…Wire harness; 72…Thermostat; 73…Retaining part; 77…Power supply; 78…Electricity Source line; 80… Power connection part; 81… Hole part; 82… Welding part; S1… Design surface; L1… Power supply path; A1… Radio wave transmission area; 101… Trim part (vehicle trim component); 102… Vehicle; 103… Front grille; 104… Car emblem; 110… Base component; 110a… Front; 110b… Back; 110e… Edge part; 110l… Lower end; 110u… Upper end; 111… Seal display part; 120… Radio wave transmission cover; 121… Radar device; 130… Heating element; 135… Thermostat (overheat protection element); 135s… First flat surface; 141… Transparent base component; 142… …Black base component; 143…Decorative layer; 150…Retaining part; 151…Joint part; 152…Screw stop part; 153…Wire harness; 155…Printed circuit board; 156…Rib; 157…Fixing pin; 158…Through hole; 161…Upper wall part; 162…Side wall part; 163…Side wall part; 164…Auxiliary wall; 171…Main body part; 172…Extension part; 180…Wall component; A2…Radio wave transmission area; L2…Power supply path; S2…Design surface; 210…Radio wave transmission cover; 220…Heating element; 220a, 220b…Plastic film; 221…Main body part; 222…Extension part; 230…Heating wire; 231 232…Connecting terminal; 240…Connector; 242…Crimp terminal (power side terminal); 244…Wire harness (power side terminal); P3…Potent plastic; R3…Radio wave radar device; 310…Radio wave transmission cover; 310a…Radio wave transmission area; 320…Heat-conducting sheet; 320a, 320b…Plastic film; 321…Main body; 322…Extension; 330…Heating wire (heat source); 340…Metal wire (heat-conducting part); R4…Radio wave radar device; 410…Vehicle; 415…Millimeter-wave radar device; 420…Car emblem (vehicle decorative component); 421…Decorative main body; 433…Heating element; 433a…Main body;433b…Connecting part; 433c…Bending part; 434…Plastic sheet; 435, 451, 452…Heater section; 435a, 451a, 452a…Heating element; 435b, 435c, 451b, 451c, 452b, 452c…Power supply unit; 436…Resistance reduction section; 437…Thermostat; 453, 454…Wiring connection section (resistance reduction section); 461, 462…Cross connection section (resistance reduction section).

Claims

1. A vehicle decorative component, comprising: A heating element is constructed by stacking a first sheet and a second sheet and placing a heating wire that heats up when energized between the first sheet and the second sheet; as well as A base component, comprising a mounting surface for the heating element on the front side forming the designed surface, wherein... The heating element includes: The main body, which is fixed to the laid surface, and The extension includes a power connection portion for connecting the heating wire to a power cord, the power cord forming a power supply path for the heating element, and the extension portion extends to the back surface of the base component. The main body is fixed to the laying surface by fixing the second sheet to the base member, and In the power connection section, the heating wire is exposed in such a way that the second sheet is not stacked on top of the first sheet.

2. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1, wherein, The second sheet is an adhesive sheet that has adhesive force to the base component.

3. The vehicle trim component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A hole is provided in the power connection portion, and the hole extends through the first sheet to expose the heating wire.

4. The vehicle trim component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first sheet and the second sheet are transparent sheets.

5. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 3, wherein, The first sheet and the second sheet are transparent sheets.

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