Decorative elements for vehicles and vehicles having such decorative elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative element (12) for a vehicle (10), comprising a partially transparent element (14) and a light guide element (16), the partially transparent element having a light-transmitting section (18) and an opaque section (20), the light guide element being configured to couple incoming light at least partially toward the partially transparent element (14), the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16) being permeable to a radar beam, characterized in that a molding material layer (46) is disposed between the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16), which is permeable to light coupled from the light guide element (34) and to a radar beam, and which interconnects the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16). The invention also relates to a vehicle having such a decorative element (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a decorative element for a vehicle, comprising a partially transparent element and a light-guiding element, the partially transparent element having a light-transmitting section and an opaque section, the light-guiding element being configured to couple incoming light at least partially toward the partially transparent element, and both the partially transparent element and the light-guiding element being permeable to radar beams. The invention also relates to a vehicle having such a decorative element. Background Technology

[0002] The decorative elements of the type mentioned at the beginning are used to give vehicles a high-quality and personalized appearance. Therefore, decorative elements are used both inside and outside the vehicle. Inside, decorative elements with rear-mounted light-emitting devices are increasingly used, functioning as ambient lighting. For the exterior, metallic-coated decorative elements are increasingly used, in which light-emitting devices, such as LEDs, are directly mounted behind the metallic coating.

[0003] DE 10 2017 214 129 A1 describes a radar-enabled luminous marker for a vehicle, the luminous marker comprising: a planar optical conductor having a coupling structure. Through these coupling structures, light can be coupled out from the planar optical conductor at least partially on the coupling side; a light source can couple light into the planar optical conductor; a housing, in which the planar optical conductor and at least one technical device for environmental monitoring of a vehicle in the form of a radar sensor are disposed, disposed on the side of the planar optical conductor opposite to the coupling side and extending in its direction of action through the coupling side of the planar optical conductor. A light sheet (Lichtscheibe) is disposed at least partially before the coupling side, which encloses the housing, and a sectionally opaque element extends between the light sheet and the coupling side, wherein the planar optical conductor, the sectionally opaque element, and the light sheet are at least proportionally permeable to radar radiation. The light sheet and the opaque element are constructed as a composite component, with an air layer between the composite component and the planar optical conductor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a decorative element and a vehicle that achieves improved optical coupling and improved radar penetration.

[0005] To address this task, a decorative element and a vehicle are proposed.

[0006] According to one aspect, a decorative element for a vehicle, particularly for the exterior of a vehicle, is proposed. The decorative element includes a partially transparent element and a light-guiding element, the partially transparent element having a light-transmitting section and an opaque section, the light-guiding element being configured to couple incoming light at least partially toward the partially transparent element, the partially transparent element and the light-guiding element being permeable to a radar beam, characterized in that a molding material layer is disposed between the partially transparent element and the light-guiding element, the molding material layer being permeable to light coupled from the light-guiding element and to a radar beam, and the molding material layer interconnecting the partially transparent element and the light-guiding element.

[0007] By replacing the air layer with a molding material layer, the decorative element achieves improved radar transmittance, lossless light coupling, and thus improved light guiding function through a smaller phase shift. Therefore, the decorative element has an improved appearance not only in a cool-toned setting but also during illumination. Furthermore, a simple and low-cost connection between partially transparent elements and light guiding elements is achieved. The light guiding function through the molding material layer is based on refractive index jumping.

[0008] Decorative elements, also known as trim pieces or design edging, can be used both inside and outside vehicles. They are preferably used on the exterior. Because all elements of a decorative element are permeable to radar beams and the relative permittivity of the materials is closely coordinated, decorative elements can be mounted in front of radar.

[0009] To produce an illumination function, light is fed or coupled into a light-conducting element, which is then coupled outwards towards a partially transparent element at a designated location within the light-conducting element. The coupled light then passes through a molding material layer and through the light-transmitting section of the partially transparent element. By appropriately arranging the light-transmitting and opaque sections, a luminous appearance, such as that of a sign, can be produced.

[0010] To couple light, the light guide element may have a coupling surface. Preferably, the coupling surface is located on one end face of the light guide element.

[0011] Advantageously, some transparent elements and light-guiding elements are constructed in multiple layers. Furthermore, it is advantageous that all layers are interlocked.

[0012] The molding material layer can be transparent or a light-scattering molding material. The molding material layer is also currently referred to as an optical bonding layer. The molding material layer can have a thickness between approximately 1 mm and approximately 2 mm.

[0013] Advantageously, the molding material layer is made of silicone resin. Silicone resin ensures lossless optical coupling. Furthermore, silicone resin enables low-cost connections for partially transparent and photoconductive components.

[0014] In one advantageous embodiment, the molding material layer interlocks the partially transparent element and the light guide element material together.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the refractive index of the molding material layer is lower than that of the optical guide element and / or the partially transparent element. Thus, similar to the principle of an optical waveguide, total internal reflection occurs at the boundary surface of the multilayer composite, resulting in low-loss optical transmission. Advantageously, the refractive index of the partially transparent element and the optical guide element is approximately 1.58, while the refractive index of the molding material layer is approximately 1.4.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the partially transparent element has a semiconductor layer disposed on the surface of the partially transparent element facing the molding material layer. The resulting decorative element portion thus has a certain residual transparency to visible light in the light-transmitting section, which is mainly determined by the semiconductor layer, especially the metallized portion of the semiconductor layer. This transparency is preferably between about 10% and about 30%. Thus, the semiconductor layer imparts a metallic appearance, especially a chrome appearance, to the decorative element on the front side. The semiconductor layer thus achieves a metallic appearance not only in a cool appearance but also during illumination. In a cool appearance, i.e., when the design element is not illuminated, on the one hand, the color of the partially transparent element is visible to the outside in the opaque section, and on the other hand, the semiconductor layer is visible to the outside in the light-transmitting section. Advantageously, the semiconductor layer is permeable to radar beams. Advantageously, the semiconductor layer is disposed on both the light-transmitting and opaque sections. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the semiconductor layer is disposed only in the light-transmitting section. In an advantageous embodiment, the semiconductor layer is applied to the surface of the partially transparent element facing the molding material layer, especially by vapor phase spraying. The semiconductor layer can also be called the metallization layer.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, the semiconductor layer is made of silicon or indium. Advantageously, the semiconductor layer also contains a very small proportion of aluminum or chromium in addition to silicon or indium, if this cannot be avoided for optical reasons.

[0018] In one advantageous embodiment, the partially transparent element has a first transparent layer made of a first plastic. Advantageously, the first plastic is made of polycarbonate, polyamide, or transparent PMMA. Advantageously, the first transparent layer is permeable to radar beams. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first transparent layer has a refractive index of about 1.58. The first transparent layer may have a layer thickness between about 3.5 mm and about 5 mm.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, a recess is introduced in the surface of the transparent layer facing the molding material layer, and a corresponding protrusion of the molding material layer is embedded in the recess. The recess in the first transparent layer creates a three-dimensional structure and appearance outward. The protrusion of the molding material layer fills the recess in the connected state. In an advantageous embodiment, a semiconductor layer is disposed between the recess of the transparent layer and the protrusion of the molding material layer.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the partially transparent element has an opaque layer, which is disposed at least in a portion of the surface of the partially transparent element facing the light-guiding element, and the opaque layer forms opaque sections. The opaque layer ensures that no light can pass through the first transparent layer. Preferably, the opaque layer does not contain metallic or conductive components and advantageously has a layer thickness of ≤12 μm. The opaque layer can be applied or coated by printing, fusing, painting, and subsequent laser processing. In an advantageous embodiment, the opaque layer is disposed, particularly coated, on protrusions of the transparent layer. A semiconductor layer can be disposed, particularly applied, on the opaque layer and the first transparent layer. Advantageously, the opaque layer is permeable to radar beams.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the partially transparent element has a first paint layer disposed on the surface of the partially transparent element opposite to the molding material layer. The first paint layer forms the outer skin of the decorative element. Advantageously, the first paint layer is a transparent protective paint layer. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first paint layer has a refractive index similar to that of the transparent layer. The first paint layer can also be referred to as a protective paint layer. Advantageously, the first paint layer is a multi-component paint system, particularly a polyurethane or siloxane-based paint system. Furthermore, the first paint layer has a layer thickness between about 10 μm and about 0.7 mm. Advantageously, the first paint layer is permeable to radar beams.

[0022] In one advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element has a light-guiding layer. When light is coupled into the light-guiding layer, the beam is reflected on the inner wall of the light-guiding layer and coupled out from the light-guiding layer at specific locations. Advantageously, the light-guiding layer is directly attached to the molding material layer. Advantageously, the light-guiding layer is permeable to radar beams. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light-guiding layer has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 3 mm. The light-guiding layer may have a refractive index of about 1.58.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the light guide element has a coupling structure on its surface facing away from the molding material layer. The coupling structure is used to couple light towards the molding material layer and the partially transparent element. The coupling structure can be provided along the entire length of the light guide element or in sections. Advantageously, the coupling structure is opposite to the light-transmitting section of the partially transparent element and the semiconductor layer disposed thereon, so that light is coupled forward and thus illuminates these areas. When light couples into the light guide layer, the beam is reflected on the inner wall of the light guide element until it hits the coupling structure and exits from the light guide layer. Advantageously, the coupling structure is constructed as an enamel layer, which can be applied to the light guide layer by printing. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light guide layer has the coupling structure on its surface facing away from the molding material layer. That is, the coupling structure is connected to the light guide layer, and in particular, the coupling structure is applied to the light guide layer.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element has a second transparent layer made of a second plastic, which is attached to the coupling structure. By making the refractive index of the second transparent layer lower than that of the light-guiding layer, the second transparent layer effectively retains the light guide. Advantageously, the refractive index of the second transparent layer is about 1.4. The second transparent layer can also be referred to as a low-refractive-index coating. Advantageously, the layer thickness of the second transparent layer is between about 5 μm and about 10 μm. Advantageously, the second transparent layer is permeable to radar beams. The second transparent layer can be a transparent protective varnish layer, such as a polyurethane varnish or a silicone varnish.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element has a second varnish layer disposed on the surface of the second transparent layer opposite to the light-guiding layer. The second varnish layer is constructed as an opaque protective varnish. Advantageously, the second varnish layer has a layer thickness of approximately 30 μm. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the second varnish layer is made of polyurethane or epoxy resin. The second varnish layer preferably faces the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, it is advantageous that the second varnish layer is permeable to radar beams.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, a light-emitting device is provided to couple light into a light-guiding element. Advantageously, the light-emitting device includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a light-feeding light-guiding element. By using LEDs, energy-saving and space-saving lighting can be generated. In an advantageous embodiment, the light-emitting device has multiple LEDs. Advantageously, these LEDs can have different colors, and the colors can be controlled individually. Thus, the LEDs can include red, green, and blue LEDs. Such LEDs are called RGB-LEDs. In an advantageous embodiment, the light-emitting device has an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one sealing element is provided between the partially transparent element and the molding material layer. The sealing element prevents moisture from entering between the partially transparent element and the molding material layer. Advantageously, the sealing element is made of plastic or an elastomer. Advantageously, one sealing element is disposed on each end face of the decorative element between the partially transparent element and the molding material layer.

[0028] According to another aspect, a vehicle having at least one such decorative element is proposed. By using the decorative element, the vehicle has lossless light coupling and thus a high-quality appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The decorative elements, the vehicle, and other features and advantages are described in detail below with the aid of embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle with decorative elements is shown; and

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the layered structure of the decorative element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] exist Figure 1 The vehicle 10 shown has decorative elements 12 on its exterior.

[0033] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the decorative element 12 has a partially transparent element 14 and a light-guiding element 16, which are constructed in multiple layers and interconnected by a molding material layer 46. All layers are permeable to the radar beam. Thus, the decorative element 12 can also be installed in front of the radar.

[0034] The partially transparent element 14 has a light-transmitting section 18 and an opaque section 20. The partially transparent element 14 has a first paint layer 22, a first transparent layer 24, an opaque layer 26 and a semiconductor layer 28 forming the outer surface. All the layer materials of the partially transparent element 14 are interlocked.

[0035] The first paint layer 22 forms the outer skin of the decorative element 12 and is a transparent paint layer. The first paint layer 22 is a multi-component paint system, particularly a polyurethane or siloxane-based paint system. The first paint layer 22 has a layer thickness between approximately 10 μm and approximately 0.7 mm. The refractive index of the first paint layer 22 corresponds to the refractive index of the transparent layer 24.

[0036] The first transparent layer 24 is made of polycarbonate, polyamide, or transparent PMMA and has a layer thickness between approximately 3.5 mm and approximately 5 mm. The refractive index of the transparent layer 24 is approximately 1.58.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the first transparent layer 24 has protrusions 30 and recesses 32 on its surface opposite to the first paint layer 22. The recesses 32 create a three-dimensional appearance and form a light-transmitting section 18.

[0038] An opaque layer 26 is applied to the protrusion 30, creating opaque sections 20. The opaque layer 26 is a colored layer, which is applied to the protrusion 30 by printing, lamination, painting, and subsequent laser processing. The opaque layer 26 preferably does not contain metallic or conductive components and has a layer thickness of ≤12 μm.

[0039] A semiconductor layer 28 is applied onto the transparent layer 24 and the opaque layer 26. The semiconductor layer 28 produces a metallic appearance, particularly a chromium appearance, on the front side of the decorative element 12. The semiconductor layer 28 is applied onto the transparent layer 24 and the opaque layer 26 during a vapor phase spraying process. The semiconductor layer 28 has a certain degree of residual transparency for visible light in the light-transmitting section 18, which is mainly determined by the metallization. The transparency to visible light is typically between approximately 10% and 30%. The semiconductor layer 28 can also be referred to as the metallization and is made of silicon or indium with a small proportion of aluminum or chromium.

[0040] In addition, such as in Figure 2 As can be seen, the light guide element 16 has a light guide layer 34, a coupling structure 36, a second transparent layer 38, and a second varnish layer 40, and all layers and the coupling structure are interconnected in a locked manner.

[0041] The light guide layer 34 is used to couple incoming light toward the partially transparent element 14, and especially toward the light-transmitting section 18. The light guide layer 34 has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 3 mm and a refractive index of about 1.58.

[0042] Light is coupled into the light guide layer 34 by means of a light-emitting device 42, which couples the light into the light guide layer 34 through the coupling surface 44. The light-emitting device 42 is currently a light-emitting diode (LED). The thickness of the light guide layer 34 is between approximately 2 mm and approximately 3 mm.

[0043] The coupling structure 36 is disposed opposite to the light-transmitting section 18. The coupling structure 36 is a dotted paint layer, such as white paint dots, which are applied to the surface of the transparent element 14 on the opposite side of the light guide layer. Figure 2 As can be seen, the coupling structure 36 is applied to the light guide layer 34 in the region opposite to the light-transmitting section 18. As a result, the light coupled into the light guide layer 34 is first reflected on the inner wall of the light guide layer 34, and once the light hits the coupling structure 36, the light is coupled out toward the partially transparent element 14, especially toward the light-transmitting section 18, and thus illuminates these areas.

[0044] The second transparent layer 38 is a transparent coating made of polyurethane or silicone varnish and has a layer thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 10 μm. The second transparent layer 38 may also be referred to as a low-refractive-index coating. The second transparent layer 38 is used to effectively maintain light guidance by having a refractive index lower than that of the light-guiding layer 34. The refractive index of the second transparent layer 38 is approximately 1.4.

[0045] The second paint layer 40 is applied over the second transparent layer 38 and thus faces the interior of the vehicle. The second paint layer 40 is an opaque protective paint made of polyurethane or epoxy resin. The thickness of the second paint layer 40 is approximately 30 μm.

[0046] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the transparent element 14 and the light guide element 16 are interconnected via a molding material layer 46, particularly in a material-locking manner. The molding material layer 46 can also be referred to as an optical adhesive layer. The molding material layer 46 has a lower refractive index than the light guide layer 34. The refractive index of the molding material layer is preferably about 1.4. The molding material layer is made of silicone resin and has a layer thickness between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0047] The molding material layer 46 has protrusions 30 corresponding to the recesses 32, which are form-locked into the recesses 32 in the connected state. Thus, the molding material layer 46 compensates for the recesses 32 of the first transparent layer 24.

[0048] To prevent moisture from entering the layer structure, especially between the partially transparent element 14 and the molding material layer 46, a sealing element 48 is provided, which is disposed on the end face of the decorative element 12 between the opaque layer 26 and the molding material layer 46. The sealing element 48 is made of plastic or rubber.

[0049] The decorative element 12 is characterized in that a partially transparent element 14 and a light-guiding element 16 are interconnected by a molding material layer 46, the refractive index of which is less than that of the transparent layer 24 and the light-guiding layer 34. This enables lossless light coupling. Furthermore, all layers and materials used are permeable to radar beams, allowing the decorative element 12 to be used in front of a vehicle's radar.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 10 vehicles

[0052] 12 Decorative Elements

[0053] 14 Transparent Components

[0054] 16 Optical guide elements

[0055] 18 Translucent Sections

[0056] 20 Opaque Sections

[0057] 22 First coat of paint

[0058] 24 First transparent layer

[0059] 26 Opaque Layer

[0060] 28 Semiconductor Layer

[0061] 30 protrusions

[0062] 32 recess

[0063] 34 Optical guide layer

[0064] 36 Coupling Structure

[0065] 38 Second transparent layer

[0066] 40 Second coat of paint

[0067] 42 Light-emitting devices

[0068] 44 Coupled Surface

[0069] 46 Molding material layer

[0070] 48 Sealing elements

Claims

1. A decorative element (12) for a vehicle (10), the decorative element comprising a partially transparent element (14) and a light guide element (16), the partially transparent element having a light-transmitting section (18) and an opaque section (20), the light guide element being configured to couple incoming light at least partially toward the partially transparent element (14), the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16) being permeable to a radar beam, characterized in that, A molding material layer (46) is provided between the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16). The molding material layer is permeable to light coupled from the light guide element (16) and to a radar beam. The molding material layer connects the partially transparent element (14) and the light guide element (16) to each other. The refractive index of the molding material layer is less than that of the light guide element and the partially transparent element.

2. The decorative element (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molding material layer (46) is made of silicone resin.

3. The decorative element (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partially transparent element (14) has a semiconductor layer (28) disposed on the surface of the partially transparent element (14) facing the molding material layer (46).

4. The decorative element according to claim 3, characterized in that, The semiconductor layer is made of silicon or indium.

5. The decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The partially transparent element (14) has a first transparent layer (24) made of a first plastic.

6. The decorative element (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that, A recess (32) is introduced in the surface of the first transparent layer (24) facing the molding material layer (46), and a corresponding protrusion of the molding material layer (46) is embedded in the recess.

7. The decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The partially transparent element (14) has an opaque layer (26) disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the partially transparent element (14) facing the molding material layer (46), and the opaque layer forms the opaque portion (20).

8. The decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The partially transparent element (14) has a first paint layer disposed on the surface of the partially transparent element (14) opposite to the molding material layer (46).

9. The decorative element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The optical guiding element (16) has an optical guiding layer (34).

10. The decorative element (12) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The optical guiding element (16) has a coupling structure (36) on the surface away from the molding material layer (46).

11. The decorative element (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The light guide element (16) has a second transparent layer (38) made of a second plastic, which is connected to the coupling structure (36).

12. The decorative element (12) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The light guide element (16) has a second lacquer layer (40) disposed on the surface of the second transparent layer (38) opposite to the light guide layer (34).

13. The decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A light-emitting device (42) is provided to couple light into a light-conducting element (16).

14. The decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one sealing element (48) is provided between the partially transparent element (14) and the molding material layer (46).

15. A vehicle (10) having a decorative element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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